National Film and Sound Archive > Preservation

Preparation for Long Term Storage

Storage Orientation

Fig 8.6 Horizontal orientation for long term storage

For long term storage films must be stored horizontally. Storing the cans horizontally evens the weight of the film over the whole surface area of the side of the film pack. The horizontal orientation also ensures that the tension in the film is even throughout the film pack.

Fig 8.7 Localised or accelerated decomposition
due to vertical storage orientation.

If a film is stored vertically there is a small area of the film pack supporting the weight of the entire film. Often it is seen that there is accelerated dye fade or a higher degree of decomposition occuring in such an area.

Access materials are usually stored vertically, this is a response to the space and ease of access requirements of these materials. However this is not ideal from a preservation point of view.

Return to Section Contents