Sincerely,
509 East Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-3315 (Voice) (727) 464-4951(Fax)>>> Mwcpc6@AOL.COM 12/05/00 10:52PM >>> In a message dated 12/5/00 10:52PM, Mwcpc6@AOL.COM writes: >>>>Suppose, for the sake of argument, you know
that the documents you are attempting to preserve are going to be exposed to
much less than ideal conditions. Temperature ranges from -20 to +120
degrees F. Humidity seasonally cycled between 10% and 100%. In other
words, the way most 100 year old doicuments have been preserved.
What present day technology would you choose. >>>> Mike,
Sorry for the delay in answering; but I've been
busy. My simple answer to your question is that I wouldn't convert
anything in the example you propose. I say this for two
reasons:
First, one of the primary reasons for the existence
and implementation of an archival program is a recognized need for the
provision of adequate environmental controls for the preservation of the
records, information and material to be collected and maintained by the program.
IF the organization was not going to provide and pay for at least a stable
storage environment for the converted documents, then I would not recommend any
conversion for PRESERVATION purposes. It would be an incredible waste of
time and money. (Now, if the organization's purposes for conversion were
for ease of access and distribution, that's another matter
entirely.)
Second, (and again if your purpose for
conversion is PRIMARILY preservation) why convert? As you stated in
the example you gave, the current form seems resilient enough (evidenced by
the fact that they are still in existence.) Arrange it, describe it and go on to
the next task.
In closing, I know of only a very
few geographical locations in the US which regularly produce the
climatic range which you quote in your example. Much of my career has been
spent in Florida, which has some pretty extreme conditions. However, that has
not prevented any of the archival organizations I am aware of in this
state from providing stable conditions that, if not ideal, do provide
for the long term preservation of their holdings.
Again I emphasize that climatic control for
security and preservation purposes are a NECESSARY REQUIREMENT for establishing
anything resembling a formal archival program. Call it whatever you, you won't
have an archives.
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