[78-L] Collection remains mute

[Mark L. Bardenwerper, Sr.]

Eric Jacobs wrote:
>> The entire collection remains locked in silence because the library 
>> lacks any means of playing them.
>>     
>
> Or is it that the library simply lacks the funds to properly digitize the
> recordings?
>   
Exactly
>   
>> They are reluctant to even let me see them.
>>     
>
> Glass discs are extremely fragile.  If packaged properly, glass discs
> can be shipped with minimal risk.  We've done this many a time.  The
> 16-inch glass discs present some challenge, but these, too, can be
> shipped.
>
> Whatever you do, wear gloves when handling the acetate.  The acid from
> finger prints will eventually etch the surface of the lacquer and if 
> on the grooves, will forever be audible.
>
> For a complete list of Do's and Don'ts with transcription discs (aka
> lacquers):
>
> http://www.theaudioarchive.com/TAA_Resources_Disc_Transcription.htm#Do
>   

Thanks. Clearly not a job for an amateur such as myself.
>   
>> But the librarian said that if someone were to offer the library a 
>> means of digitizing them without doing them appreciable harm
>>     
>
> We measure the grooves under a 150x microscope with a 10-micron reticle
> before even touching them with a stylus.  This helps us get the stylus
> geometry and dimension correct often with just one play.
>
> On the cleaning side, we've done a lot of research on chemistry and 
> the cleaning process.
>
> Those discs should probably be digitized soon - the laminate is only
> continuing to shrink, and will eventually delaminate.  It's inevitable.
> If the discs are coated in palmitic acid, that's just another sign 
> of deterioration.  Cleaning and digitizing, and then re-sleeving in
> fresh base-buffered acid-free sleeves would be best - but not inexpensive.
>   

Thanks so much. I will have to ask if they are aware of the urgency of 
this project. How much does the recovery process cost, in a round figure?


-- 
Mark L. Bardenwerper, Sr. #:?)
Technology, thoughtfully, responsibly.
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