5.3.2 Selection of Best Copy

5.3.2.1 As with historical mechanical and other obsolete formats (see Section 5.2.2 Selection of best copy) selection is primarily made visually, for speed and to prevent wear. Staff should be well versed in the codes and identifiers used by the various record companies and usually placed just outside the label. This may reveal alternative or later takes, remasterings, or pressings. In selecting the best copies for digitisation, co-operation with other collections should be considered.

5.3.2.2 The working space must make parallel, oblique light available as overhead fluorescent lighting may obscure evidence of wear. The quality of light must be such that it is very clear what constitutes merely heavy modulation and what constitutes wear. If two copies only exist, and they display different wear characteristics, then retain both and transfer both.