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run off, promote air flow, and prevent tape-to-flange adhesion. Do not dry with heated airflow, as it will promote humidity, resulting in adhesion of the media. d) store upright and without crowding in distilled, room-temperature water. (May be stored this way for up to two weeks). OTHER MAGNETIC MEDIA Obtain professional advice from one of the consultants listed in the Team Chairman's files, or contact the Texas state Library for a list of vendors. Section 8. RESTORATION OF WATER-DAMAGED RECORDS A number of options are available for treating water-damaged materials. The choice of treatment will depend upon the extent and type of damage incurred, and the manpower, expertise, and facilities available. PAPER RECORDS The period of time during which items are frozen can be used to decide which records are worth restoring and which can be discarded without further processing and expense. VACUUM FREEZE DRYING Vacuum freeze-drying is the safest and mot successful method, although it is also the most expensive. Materials MUST be frozen prior to placing in a sublimination chamber. This type of chamber operates under high vacuum and high heat, and turns the ice crystals in and on the frozen materials to water vapor. The vapor is then collected on a cold panel that has been chilled to at least -2000F, so it cannot go back on the materials. If they are not frozen when they are put in the chamber, the materials will freeze on the outside and the water molecules on the inside will be forced through the frozen barrier as the vacuum is pulled. This action can cause the book or document to "explode". When materials are removed from the vacuum freeze chamber, they will be VERY dry and should acclimate for at least one (1) month before they are opened to avoid cracking the spine and/or binding (this is especially true for leather bindings). They may be placed in a high humidity room to accelerate the acclimation process, but must be monitored closely for signs of mold. Materials so treated will NOT look like new, but will show signs of swelling and distortion. Photographs will not be damaged by this treatment, but rubber cement may dissolve and stain the pages to which it has been applied. VACUUM DRYING Vacuum drying involves the placement of wet materials in a chamber that pulls the moisture by means of a vacuum. This method is NOT recommended as the heat involved is damaging to paper (especially bound paper) and photographic materials. Microwave ovens should not be used for the same reason. In addition, the rapid Page 30