Electronic Information Media

Self-evaluation quiz

Question 1.

Which of the following issues must be taken into account when considering the preservation of electronic media?

a) The preservation of the actual item, that is, the CD-ROM or the audio tape versus the preservation of the information.

b) Recognising that electronic preservation raises fundamentally different challenges than the problems encountered in preserving traditional-format materials such as paper and books.

c) The fact that technological advances will make the media obsolete.

d) Binders and substrates are adversely affected by high humidity conditions.

e) All of the above.

Question 2.

Which of the following statements are true?

a) The life span of a recording is difficult to predict.

b) The potential lifespan is reduced considerably if recordings are not made, stored or used with preservation in mind.

c) Video and audio recordings are best kept in conditions of high humidity.

d) Gentle use re-tensions, but does not over-tension, tapes.

Question 3.

When making recordings with preservation in mind:

a) use whatever tapes you can, to ensure that costs are kept low;

b) make two copies on tapes drawn from different manufacturing batches for important recordings;

c) comply fully with specifications established by the manufacturer on which the media will be recorded or played;

d) use new tape.

Question 4.

Which of the following statements are false?

a) Heat and high humidity are the two greatest enemies of audio tapes and video tapes.

b) The recommended storage conditions for video tapes are: temperature in the range 24-28ºC and relative humidity in the range 35–45%RH.

c) It is recommended that you fast-forward and rewind the tapes before storage, ensuring that the tape is correctly wound inside the cassette.

d) Vertical storage is preferred to horizontal storage, because storing the containers this way helps prevent damage to the edge of the tape.