VII. Procedures for Phonograph Recordings

1. Priorities for Phonograph Recordings
2. Handling precautions for Phonograph Recordings
3. Salvage and Recovery Procedures for Phonograph Recordings

VII.1. Priorities for Phonograph Recordings

• Salvage shellac and acetate before vinyl discs
• Freeze or dry enclosures within 48 hours (handle as paper)

• Acetate and shellac discs are sensitive to water. Keep water contact to a minimum.
• Hold discs by their edges. Avoid touching the surfaces

• Remove discs from sleeves and jackets
• If labels have separated, mark the centers of the discs with a grease pencil
• Dry separated labels, jackets, and sleeves as other paper materials
• Wash discs exposed to unclean water in a record cleaning machine, if possible. If not available, wash in trays of distilled water and 1% non-ionic wetting agent (Kodak Photoflo or Lissapol TN450).
• Set discs vertically in a rack to air dry

return to top