Date:         Thu, 4 Dec 2008 14:25:43 -0600
Reply-To:     Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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Sender:       Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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From:         Robert Cham <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Humidifiers and Playback Equipment/Collections
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Randy,

If you do decide to humidify, be sure to use only distilled water.  I 
made that mistake many years ago at a radio station, and the white 
powder residue from hard water was everywhere, including inside 
equipment and sucked down onto LPs as they played.  Believ me, you 
don't want to go there!

Bob Cham

>Good day, all!
>
>
>
>We are considering installing a humidifier to address the low 
>humidity (21-22% at present) in our library's Listening Room. 
>However, I'm very concerned about whether it would adversely affect 
>the audio and video equipment and/or the video and audio collections 
>housed here.
>
>
>
>One thing we are considering is placing the humidifier in the outer 
>public area so that the steam generated would be less likely to 
>directly contact the equipment or collections.
>
>
>
>What is your experience?  It has been suggested that the higher 
>humidity would not only benefit the staff but the materials in the 
>room.
>
>
>
>Thanks for any input you can provide.
>
>
>
>Regards,
>
>Randye
>
>-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-=*=-
>     |      | Randye Jones
>     | )    | Listening Room Supervisor
>   / |      | Grinnell College Libraries, Grinnell, IA 50112
>(   |   )  | [log in to unmask]
>     |      | Phone: 641-269-3365 FAX: 641-269-4283