Hi Lawrence,
Al Kossow (CC'd) has setup a lab at the Computer History Museum to
process magnetic tapes with this type of problem. He monitors
ClassicCmp, so I'm sure he'll offer suggestions, advice, and comments on
how successful we have been.
Cheers,
Lee Courtney
Software Preservation Group
Computer History Museum
-----Original Message-----
From: cctalk-bounces at
classiccmp.org
[mailto:cctalk-bounces at
classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Lawrence Wilkinson
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2007 1:23 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic Posts Only
Subject: Recovering Memorex tapes
At the recent BCS at 50 event, I spoke to Dr Jeremy John from
the British Library. He is their "Curator of Digital
Manuscripts" and as everyone here will know he has his work
cut out trying to preserve and access the documents they have.
He mentioned that they were having problems with a particular
Memorex tape. I think this is 9-track tape. It sounds like
the binder has failed, and the oxide is lifting off the tape.
Apparently they've tried heating it, but this hasn't
improved things (I'm not sure how many tapes they're dealing with).
I think the following is what they are dealing with:
http://www.spectrumdata.com.au/content.aspx?cid=155
Rather than ask for specific remedial suggestions here, can
anyone suggest companies or organisations in Britain which
could deal with this? I'll pass suggestions on, or if you
think you can help directly then I will put you in touch.
Thanks,
--
Lawrence Wilkinson lawrence at ljw.me.uk
The IBM 360/30 page
http://www.ljw.me.uk/ibm360