8.1.12 Access and Data Migration

8.1.12.1  Discrete carriers like CDs and DVDs are not well suited for on-line access. Making a collection available necessitates staff handling the disks. Handling is one of the worst enemies of this kind of media. Always handle the disks by the edges, and always keep them in their enclosures when not played. The effect of light on the dyes are documented as a deteriorating factor, and excessive temperature and humidity must be avoided, as this may hasten degradation of the disk, and in extreme cases cause delaminating of the polycarbonate layers (Kunej 2001). The disks should be stored in acrylic jewel cases, and cheap plastic sleeves should be avoided as they may create an environment that is detrimental to the disk.

8.1.12.2  Copying for access purposes is however an easily undertaken task, and may be done at many times real time. There are jukeboxes on the market, which, with the appropriate software, will enable online access to the collection, though copying to hard disc may be preferable.