Personal Archiving: Audio-Video

Help is available at the Digital Media Commons! 
Computers, digital capture systems, software and knowledgable staff! 

Location: Fondren Library basement, near GIS-Data Center and Government Publications

Contact: (713) 348-3635

Email: dmc-info@rice.edu

1. Store magnetic media (cassettes or reel to reel) or discs (CDs and LPs) vertically in a cool dry place.
2. Make sure playback equipment is clean and in good working order.
3. Label containers with the event, location, people, and date.
4. Reel-to-reel tapes should be stored tails out (wound backwards on the reel) to minimize the effects of sound bleed-through.
5. Remove copy protection tabs to avoid accidentally overwriting.

Be aware of formats becoming obsolete and consider copying into digital format

1. Store home movies in a cool, dry place.
2. Keep films in their canisters or boxes to keep out dust and light.
3. Label boxes and films with the event, location, people, and date.
4. Store home movies with sound tails out (wound backwards on the reel) to minimize the effects of sound bleed-through.
5. Participate in Home Movie Day to be able to watch and share your home movies with family and your community.

Be aware of formats becoming obsolete and consider copying into digital format