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Question for Photo Archivists/Curators



Colleagues:

I have a question regarding the preservation of a large photograph collection.

Here's the deal.  Many of the approximately 30,000 negatives belonging to
the oldest part of our University Photo Archives collection are acetate,
B/W negatives exhibiting advanced vinegar syndrome, and as a result I'm
exploring getting new archival master and preservation negatives made for
this part of the collection.  Most negatives are in the 4x5 sheet film
format; a few fall into the 8x10 size.  The bulk of negatives date from the
1920s-1940s.  I've read that polyester is the most stable film type to put
the new negatives onto.  Also, I would look into getting the masters into
offsite storage as well once made.  Does anyone have any advice concerning:

1. How to find a good photo lab that can handle an archival-quality project
like this?
2. Approximate cost for such a project?
3. What size format should the new negatives be - 4x5, 35mm, etc.?
4. What film type should be used, if not polyester?
5. Are there known grants for such a project?
6. Anything else I'm forgetting to ask about?

Thanks in advance for any advice.


Julie A. Petersen
Audiovisual Curator, Photo Archives
The Ohio State University Archives
Columbus, OH 43210
TEL:    614-292-1767
FAX:    614-688-4150
petersen.51@osu.edu

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