Hi Vernon, and thanks for your question. As you mention, there can be reasons to leave plastic wrappings on record sleeves, but in an archival context it generally makes more sense to remove them. The most obvious reason is to allow for access. In addition, the plastic wrapping is unstable and may negatively affect the materials inside by off-gassing or by becoming stuck to them. The plastic may also trap moisture inside, leading to mold growth. I recently encountered several shrink-wrapped lp's with moisture stains on the covers, and mold on both the covers and the records. Tight plastic wrapping may cause warping of the materials inside if left in place for too long.

The Canadian Conservation Institute's Caring for audio, video and data recording media is a helpful and detailed resource if you are looking for more information; you're also welcome to respond with follow-up questions.

Thank you,

Rebecca

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Rebecca Smyrl
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Assistant Conservator for Special Collections
UNC Chapel Hill Libraries
Chapel Hill NC
(919) 962-4250
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-11-2024 11:31
From: Vernon Weckbacher
Subject: Record Albums

I'm looking for advice on whether record album covers should be stored with or without their original shrink wrap. I assume that since they're going to be stored archivally they can do without the original plastic wrap. "Vinyl" collectors differ in their opinions on this.

Vernon Weckbacher

Archivist/Curator

Mission Historical Museum

956-580-8646