Putting It Into Practice

Evaluating Your Collections

Videotapes

Videotapes are frequently found within cultural collections. The most common format is VHS, although others such as Beta and compact formats may also be found. Usually videotapes document events of importance to an organization, institution, or individual. Videotapes have a polyester base, so they are not subject to the deterioration seen in nitrate or acetate film-based materials.

As with audiotapes, chemical damage may include sticky shed syndrome, in which a gummy residue is found on the surface of the tape. Videotapes are also vulnerable to strong magnetic fields. Physical damage may include edge damage or warped tape.