>The latest odd question to come up at work is how to store old, oversized
>vinyl records.  I understand that it is possible to buy archival quality
>record boxes, but I was wondering if anyone could suggest a more
>affordable alternative.  Should records be stored lying flat, or standing
>on their edge?  Any other pointers for proper care?
>
>Thanks!  I look forward to getting a wide range of suggestions.
>
>Miriam
>[[log in to unmask]]

On edge is the best way to store phono records, provided that they are
stored perfectly straight up.  If they lean, they'll sag.  Of course
storage flat is out of the question unless you plan not to stack them.
Stacking places undue weight and pressure on the lower ones, which could
lead to distortion and damage.  I recommend archival boxes of the
appropriate size, or boxes lined with acid-free tissue.  Slipsheet the
records with mylar.  For unjacketed records, use unbuffered tissue between
them.  I believe someone sells archival quality sleeves for albums.   Don't
know about 78s/45s.  Don't use mylar on unjacketed records, as its sharp
edges could scratch the vinyl, and static action could attract too much
dust to the record's surface.

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