Thanks Luisa and Andrew. We do have AD Strips so I will coordinate with our Conservation Department on best methods to use those in determining the severity/scope of the issue. We have used a consecutive number generation process when assigning a tracking number to film when it was created so we can use that as a reference point for determining which reels are the oldest. Thanks for the info about the "piping" too. As you can imagine this is a daunting task, but one we know we need to address now to prevent it from becoming a larger one. If I have any additional questions, I will be sure to reach out.
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James Watson
Director, Digital Acquisition, Processing and Publication
Maryland State Archives
Annapolis MD
james.watson@maryland.gov------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-26-2023 10:41
From: Andrew Robb
Subject: Requesting suggestions for testing large quantities of microfilm for vinegar syndrome
Luisa is correct AD Strips will be the best method for assessing condition. I would suggest starting with trying to assess your oldest film first (if you can determine that by shooting/acquisition records) and/or housing or some other dating method. Also if you have primary copies versus use/secondary copies start with those. In addition your survey should include if the film is polyester or not. Light piping (if polyester when you hold reel up to a light source it will have light "piping" through it as opposed to being opaque) is another way to reduce what is acetate. In the broader term you will need cool/cold storage so your survey can establish the need for it. Feel free to email me if you have questions - we surveyed 250k primary reels to get them prioritized for moving to cold storage. - Andrew
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Andrew Robb
Head, Photograph Conservation
Library of Congress
Washington DC
(202) 553-0963
Original Message:
Sent: 10-25-2023 17:13
From: Luisa Casella
Subject: Requesting suggestions for testing large quantities of microfilm for vinegar syndrome
Dear James,
I would suggest using
AD-Strips to gauge the levels of acetic acid in the storage areas.
They can be placed inside microfilm housing and/or throughout storage areas.
I hope this helps,
Luisa
Original Message:
Sent: 10/25/2023 1:50:00 PM
From: James Watson
Subject: Requesting suggestions for testing large quantities of microfilm for vinegar syndrome
Good Afternoon,
We have two dedicated microfilm storage rooms in our facility that have had issues in the past with temp/RH and we know that there is some level of vinegar syndrome in these spaces. At the moment we have been doing a reel level inspection, but between these two spaces we are looking at tens of thousands of reels to inspect which will take quite some time to do at a reel level. I was hoping someone in the community might know of a bulk testing method we can employ to speed up the process or at least to help narrow down areas to focus our reel level efforts.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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James Watson
Director, Digital Acquisition, Processing and Publication
Maryland State Archives
Annapolis MD
james.watson@maryland.gov
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