Under ordinary circumstances you can simply place the tapes on a shelf, much like a book, on its edge in its case with the spine label facing out. This is also the correct way to transport tapes, as it will minimize vibration. DO NOT store tapes near any magnetic fields. (i.e. Speakers, Electric motors, magnets, computer monitors, network hubs, audio or video cabling or anything else that can generate a magnetic field.) Short term exposure has few deleterious effects, but over time even a modest magnetic field can seriously degrade the tape.

When you store for an extended period you have to take more care. Panasonic Digital media recommends archival at 10-25? C at 40-60% Relative Humidity. Care should be taken to minimize temperature fluctuation over time and keep the storage area dust free. This will minimize expansion and contraction of the tapes base film.

If you are storing tape near an automatic fire extinguisher be certain that it uses a gaseous extinguishing agent. Liquid or powder extinguishers can potentially damage the tapes.

All tapes should be completely rewound before storage for any period of time. If you don't it can lead to uneven stretching of the tape. Tapes should be periodically (not less than every 3 years) fast forwarded and rewound completely. (You should do this for any tape you plan to re-record on that has been stored for any extended period of time.)

Last update: 07:43 PM Monday, February 27, 2006