Proper Storage Methods for 8mm Film or 16mm Film If you have 8mm film and/or 16mm film, it may take a little more time to find a place where you can preserve film in your own home without it degrading. Follow these suggestions on how to store your film to keep your memories safe and intact.
How to Store your Film [*] Store film in a location with steady temperatures and humidity. Film stored at room temperature may last up to 50 years before decomposition occurs [*] Consider multiple locations for multiple copies of prints or duplicates of films [*] Label your film correctly, so if you send it in to stashSpace for digital film transfer, it will help you and our team to quickly get your film processed. [*] Store horizontally, no more than 8 cans high [*] Use "Safety" film stock, polyester-base is preferred [*] Store on moisture-proof cores and in corrosion-resistant cans [*] Store no hotter than 70 degrees with 20 to 30 percent humidity How Not to Store Your Film [*] Do not store your film in plastic or Ziplock bags. Film needs to breathe and needs the exposure to oxygen. Lack of ventilation will cause the films rate of decomposition to increase. [*] Do not store film in attics or in direct sunlight as high-temperature leads to an increased rate of decomposition [*] Avoid any locations near chemicals, paint or exhaust [*] Do not through away your original film once stashSpace has processed your film. Those are still something you can preserve as a keepsake. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 11:44 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [Videolib] storage and preservation of 16 mm We have a small 16 mm film collection of about 800 films--mostly struck in the 1960s- 1980s--which have been transported to the Main Library from another part of campus. I appreciate advice on the proper temperature and/or other guidelines in order to preserve the collection. Thanks to all, Lisa Flanzraich Media and Reference Librarian Benjamin S. Rosenthal Library Queens College Room 344 718-997-3673
VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
