31 May
2005
31 May
'05
2:36 p.m.
On Tue, 31 May 2005, Jules Richardson wrote:
I suppose there's a parallel can be drawn with old
computers, *whilst
sufficient numbers in as-new condition exist*. Actually even then, maybe
that only applies to commodity machines - low-volume machines are
probably equally interesting both in original form and with any
modifications that owners may have made over the years.
A valid point. However, as the archivist, should you be altering the
object's historical fabric? Again, I don't see a problem with this, as
long as you fully document what you've done (and perhaps why) and keep the
original screws with the unit (or at least properly stored and catalogued)
so that the machine can be returned to its "original" state if/when
needed.
Ensuring that the ink on the note isn't going to
fade in a matter of
years, or any tape used isn't going to cause stains that will damage the
case etc. :-)
Don't use tape. Use a paper tag with a bit of string tied somewhere
inside the case. Standard archival procedure.
--
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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