Conservation of Media

The deterioration of magnetic media and film reels cannot be stopped. However, correct storage and handling can slow down the rate of deterioration and reduce the risk of damage due to physical factors.

Handling

VHS, audio cassettes and film reels should be handled wearing nitrile gloves. Care should be taken to avoid touching the tape.

Environment

A high temperature and relative humidity can decrease the useable lifetime of the media. Ideally, they should be kept in a cool and dry environment.

Storage of VHS and Audio cassettes at LHSA

Before storing, the tapes were wound to the beginning, ensuring that a flat tape pack was achieved. Any tape that is outside the tape pack is at a greater risk of hydrolysis.
If the VHS and audio cassettes were in a case that was integral to the object, it has been kept in its original case.
If the cassettes were in cases that were not integral, such as a standard cardboard case, they have been removed and placed in a polypropylene case.
These are then stored vertically on the short edge, like books. This helps to maintain a good tape pack.

BEFORE	AFTER

VHS cassette in integral case	VHS cassette, after rehousing in clam shell box


VHS cassette in standard paper case	VHS cassette, after rehousing in polypropylene case.

Storage of film reels at LHSA

The film reels were placed in a polypropylene case and stored flat on a shelf like a pancake. A maximum of six cases of the same size can be stacked on top of each other.
The original metal cans have been stored separately in a acid free box, so that the original look of the object can be recreated if necessary

BEFORE	AFTER

Film reel, before treatment in unsuitable storage	Film reel, after rehousing in polypropylene case


VHS and audio cassettes on shelves, before treatment		VHS and audio cassettes on shelves, after rehousing