From: Patent Tactics, George Brock-Nannestad


why, Steven?

> The first step for the 16" records is, if the box construction permits, move
> them and stand them on end rather than flat.
> 
> Steve Smolian
> Smolian Sound Studios

----- as far as I see the problem, your view is definitely correct in the 
long term, but in the instant, almost catastrophic situation, I would say it 
is just one more complication.

If the move to an intermediate storage facility is to occur within the next 
fortnight there is absolutely no time to get guidelines in place, let alone 
implement them. We have an emergency, and emergency procedures have to be 
applied. I do not see how even critical longstanding problems can be handled 
before the move, unless addressing these issues means that the move will be 
postponed.

----- the major problem is temperature and humidity variations and mechanical 
shock during a move to an intermediate storage facility and then to the 
permanent one. Do expect breakages and other problems. 

Going to the media that query (1) was about: the transcription discs, there 
seems to be 5 plywood crates. These are probably made for the job, and for 
keeping horizontal. Specifically these I would propose to put in larger, 
horizontal boxes, with insulating padding all around them. They will take up 
more space, but temperature changes will be a lot slower and shocks will be 
partially absorbed. If the plywood boxes are not filled and if there is an 
insufficiency of padding inside the box, putting them on edge will most 
probably damage the discs even more than keeping them horizontal. There does 
not seem to be time to open the crates and inspect and re-package the 
transcription discs.

----- longstanding problems cannot be addressed under the threat of an 
imminent move. But professional staff with authority overseeing those who do 
the schlepping may mitigate many problems. In particular make certain that 
"this way up" is respected! It is not by carriers, such as DHL, UPS, etc.

See to it that the intermediate storage is not a place where overhead dry or 
wet water pipes are installed and where water from an outdoor parking lot may 
seep down or water from the sewer may rise. See to it that a truck with 
content is not held up in cold weather. Take photographs of every section of 
shelf that is emptied, of the inside of the truck at various stages of 
fillling and during unloading. Use a unique and consecutive numbering system 
for each loose item and enter numbers in one or more handheld warehouse 
managing system interfaces. This permits you to keep track of the items. 
Getting to learn these gadgets may well take up your time until the move.

I am sorry if I sound sceptical, but the time given to you ("---starting the 
end of March, I learned this week!") has to be used wisely.

Kind regards,


George

----------------------------------------------


> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Grant, Tyra" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 10:48 AM
> Subject: [ARSCLIST] 16" transcription disc housing & moving audio 
> collections
> 
> 
> I have a request and a heads-up/request combination:
> 
> 1) I'm seeking advice for properly re-housing more than 200 16"
> rare transcription discs. Currently these are stored in plywood crates
> lying horizontally (30-40 to a box).
> 
> 2) These transcription discs are part of a far larger collection,
> the University of Kansas Archive of Recorded Sound Collection, which is
> moving (almost immediately---starting the end of March, I learned this
> week!) to an intermediate storage facility and then eventually to our
> offsite high capacity storage annex.  I'm particularly concerned about
> developing housing, care and handling guidelines, at least for our most
> fragile formats---we have most every possible format in this
> collection--- at this point so they are not damaged during the move or
> in their eventual storage locations.
> 
> We have multiple longstanding problems in this collection that will
> require addressing before the move begins---I need to identify and try
> to address the most critical of these and stay ahead of, and try to
> forestall parts of, the move as much as necessary or possible.
> 
> I expect I may be leaning on this list---yes, I'm so so thankful for
> this list, especially at a time like this--- and posting questions about
> housing and storage as they arise but also would appreciate knowing of
> anyone else out there who has moved a large audio collection comprising
> multiple fragile formats who'd be willing to share advice or
> lessons-learned.
> 
> Thanks, in advance,
> Tyra Grant
> Head, Preservation Department
> University of Kansas Libraries
> [log in to unmask]
> Phone: 785-864-8951