Dear Debra,

I agree with David that what appears to be a loss in library materials can
often be recovered through freezing and cleaning.

For VHS, reel to reel and other forms of magnetic media, you want to be sure
to rinse the tapes with distilled water before drying.  Flood waters are
contaminated with dirt, debris and often other materials such as chemicals,
sewages and oil that will damage the tapes if allowed to dry on.  Tap water
contains minerals and chemicals(chlorine for example) that would damage the
tapes as well.  Once rinsed well with distilled water (this can be bought
from the grocery store in bottles) they can then be air dried or sent to a
vendor for drying.  Vendors include SafeSound Archive
(http://www.safesoundarchive.com/) in Philadelphia, Vidipax
(http://www.vidipax.com/index.php)in NYC or Specs Brothers
(http://www.vidipax.com/index.php) in NJ.  Check your insurance coverage to
see if it will include recovery of all of the flood damaged materials.

Good luck and please call or email me if you require any more assistance.

Donia

Donia Conn
Field Service Representative
Northeast Document Conservation Center
100 Brickstone Sq.
Andover, MA  01810
P:  978-470-1010 x220
F:  978-475-6021
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www.nedcc.org
 

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