Sound and video recordings

• Phonodiscs. Remove the discs from their sleeves and jackets. If labels have separated, mark the center of the disc with a grease pencil and keep track of the label. Jackets, sleeves, and labels may be dried like other paper materials. If dirt has been deposited on the discs, they may be washed in a 10 percent solution of Kodak Photo Flo in distilled water. Air dry the discs on supports that permit free circulation of air.

• Reel-to-reel tapes. If the exterior of the tape is dirty, wash the tape (still on its reel) with lukewarm water. Support the tape vertically and air dry it, or air dry by laying it on sheets of newsprint spread over tables covered with plastic. The box can be air dried as well. If the reels are still dirty, remove the tape and wash the reel with detergent and water. (Alternatively, replace the reel.) Return the tape to its original box after the box has dried. Replace the box if badly damaged.

• Videocassettes. Dismantle the cassette and dry as for reel-to-reel tapes.

• Audiocassettes. If there are no master copies, dismantle the cassette and air dry the tape as above. Re-record the tape after drying. It is difficult to determine the condition of sealed cassettes. Copy them in any case.

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