Storage and preservation



Advice on storage and handling

Magnetic tape will not live forever, but it may have a longer lifespan if it is treated well. Because of chemical realities, the tape will degrade by itself, but the process can be slowed down by proper storage.

Climate control will contribute to tape life because it keeps temperature and humidity stable. Avoiding fluctuations in temperature and humidity may be the most effective (and feasible) strategy to extend tape life. The optimal conditions for keeping magnetic tape depend on a number of other factors. A low temperature of 8 °C (at 25% RH) is the best for long-term (!) storage (mentioned by AMIA, see below). Such a cool and dry atmosphere delays the chemical degradation of the tapes.

But there are practicalities to consider. If you want to view a tape kept at such a low temperature, it has to be acclimatised first to avoid condensation. Materials that are regularly consulted are therefore often stored a little below room temperature (16-18 °C), combined with an RH between 20 and 40%, which will already help to slow down tape deterioration. A higher humidity is not good for tape as it accelerates deterioration and can also stimulate fungus growth.

The best method to store magnetic data is in a vacuum environment. Oxygen and moisture are a very bad combination for the life of metal particles used for magnetic media.

Apart from a stable climate, the storage rooms should be clean and without direct sunlight: dust, smoke, light and pollutants are all enemies of tape. Because video tapes are magnetic, they should also be kept away from sources of magnetism. Always keep the tapes in boxes for protection, and do not put them on the floor or under water pipes, to eliminate the risk of water damage.

For extensive advice on storage and handling, see AMIA: Videotape Preservation Fact Sheets, no 6, and Memoriav: Recommendations for the Preservation of Video Recordings (in French, German and Italian).

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