Media Storage GuidelinesThe number one media storage problem has nothing to do with temperature and humidity. It is non-existent, incomplete, or damaging technique used in identifying the contents: names, places, and dates.Proper handling, consistent cool temperature, mild humidity, clean conditions, limited exposure to ultraviolet radiation (unshielded florescent tubes and sunlight) are the foundations of storage for an extended life. Constant conditions are best, with a maximum of 5 degree F or 5% RH change in any 24-hour period; this will also prevent moisture from condensing on media.

 

Optical media such as CD, DVD – handle by edges or center hole; store upright on edge. Label CDs in small clear center hub with solvent based permanent marker or on labeling surface using water based marking pen. DVDs can be labeled with permanent marker. Paper labels are not recommended. Avoid air- borne pollutants and prolonged light exposure. Clean by wiping gently from hub towards outer rim. Best storage is in polypropylene (polystyrene is more brittle, cracks) jewel cases, not plastic or paper sleeves.

 

Ideal General Conditions

Media	Approx.  Years	Temp. Deg, F	Humidity %RH	Notes
CD, DVD	1990+	45-50F	45-50%	Avoid strong sunlight

 

Magnetic media such as all types of audio and videotape and magnetic computer floppy disks.

Acetate tape	1934- 1942	45-50F	20-30%	Store upright on edge Above 45F.
Polyester tape	1963-	45-50F	20-30%	Avoid dust, pollutants, magnetic fields

 

Film media. Handle slides, negatives, and movie film by edges. Store slides and movies upright on edge and negatives in protective sleeves flat and not highly compressed.

Glass Plates		40-54F	30-50%	Avoid plastic sleeves
Nitrate film Cellulose Nitrate	1890-1930	32-50F	30-50%	Fire hazard; 'safety' film is non-nitrate. Off gassing can damage other film.
Acetate film Cellulose Triacetate, safety film'	1930-1965	32-50F	30-50%	Smells like vinegar as it decomposes. Common useage after 1951.
Polyester film	1965-	<50F	30-50%	Emulsion can seperate with thermal cycling.

 

Paper media such as letters, newspapers, and photographs- store flat (not folded) in acid- free (lignin-free) or polyester folders (alkaline buffered folders for acidic paper); don’t weight heavily. Minimize UV from direct sun and florescent lights. Use pencils (not pens) to label. Do not use pressure-sensitive or ‘archival’ tapes. Newspapers and documents can be photocopied onto archival quality paper with carbon black toner using a properly functioning copy machine or laser printer to preserve information content.

"Rag" paper	<1850s	45-72F	30-50%	Good survivability
Wood pulp paper	after 1880s	45-72F	30-50%	Self distructs due to acids
Books		45-70F	30-50%	Store upright or flat, do not compress tightly. Remove from bookshelf by faces, not spine.
Photo prints		45-70F	30-50%	Avoid acidic paper, cardboard, PVC jackets and 'magnetic'  photo photo album pages.
Inkjet prints		45-70F	30-50%	Very sensitive to water and UV; fades easily.

Records, audio cylinder. Wax cylinders are very fragile. Clean by wiping gently along the groves.

Acetate, Vinyl records	1950-1990	40-80F	70-80%	Handle on edges.                    Store upright on edge.
Shellac records (78)		40-70F	45-50%	Handle on edges. Store upright on edge.
Wax Cylinder		65-70F	45-50%	Handle in center hole. Store upright on edge.

 

 

This sheet was compiled from the best practices of others and is provided as a courtesy to our customers; we can not guarantee  correctness or best use for your circumstances. Use your best judgement for you media.

 

Technical Sources: U.S. Library of Congress/ Preservation. ANSI IT9.13, 1996. IPI. Canadian Conservation Institute. © 2007 Green Tree. All rights reserved..