Film Reel Storage

[Maria Tucker]

Hello,

We have several hundred 35mm film reels that are currently housed in metal containers and they are stacked on very old shelving. I need to get some new shelving and was wondering what is the best way to store these film reels? Should I keep the original metal containers and box them? Or replace the metal containers?

Thank you,

Maria Tucker

 

[Anonymous]

These sites may be of use.

Washington State – http://www.lib.washington.edu/specialcollections/collections/film-preservation-manual/

National Film Preservation Foundation – http://www.filmpreservation.org/preservation-basics/the-film-preservation-guide-download

NEDCC – http://unfacilitated.preservation101.org/session5/prac_film-motion.asp

Lib of Cong – http://www.loc.gov/preservation/care/film.html

[Abigail Kabaker]

The National Film Preservation Foundation seems to indicate that it is ok to use the original metal container. They just say to make sure that the containers are free of dust, dirt, and structural damage (i.e. rusting)
If you are going to replace the containers, you can use non-corroding metal, cardboard that is neutral or buffered and lignin free, or polypropylene or polyethylene plastic.   the more detailed information is  here http://www.filmpreservation.org/userfiles/image/PDFs/fpg_6.pdf

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