Record Sleves

@oberoniaomnia Thank you for the link.  I just placed an order.

Without wanting to dampen enthusiasm, I would like to make a case for a different approach for taking care of your precious records.  First, let me relate how I was taught this lesson.  The late Mrs. Smith, owner and proprietor of my favorite record store, Standard Record & HiFi, on 65th Avenue NE, Seattle, cautioned me to be sure to remove the cellophane outer wrapper from all new records.  She explained that if I did not there was a risk that mildew would form on the vinyl over time that was quite harmful and could cause irreversible damage.  She advocated the use of premium inner sleeves only and those always inserted such that the opening would be up as the record is replaced in the jacket.  Records should be stored loosely, but upright on shelves out of sunlight in a cool dry room.  This advice was given to me in 1970.  In the intervening years I have collected thousands of records.  Last year I came into possession of an estate collection numbering approximately 8,000 albums.  All of these were stored in both inner and outer sleeves.  They were stored in an air conditioned facility in Miami.  A rough estimate is that approximately 30-40% of them have mildew damage.  So, re-read Mrs. Smith's advice, which I endorse.  Also, none of the thousand records that I have collected, but not stored in outer sleeves has ever developed mildew damage.  

@billstevenson I always read your comments and consider your knowledge and experience in these matters.  Thank you for sharing.  

@billstevenson Interesting observation. Mildew is tied to high humidity. I've been storing my records in outer sleeves at room temperature in Switzerland and California since the mid 80s. Not one case of mildew. Air conditioning in Florida may have contributed to the problem, as Florida in general has humid air, For archival storage one would also need to address the humidity issue, not just temperature. Removing water from the air is more complicated than adjusting temperature only. I very much doubt that the outer sleeves contributed significantly to mildew formation. The main culprit is humidity. I work on the board of a non-profit, which has a mold infested book collection in Florida. No sleeves, but high humidity, lots of mold.

@oberoniaomnia You are certainly correct that mildew comes from high humidity. Outer sleeves would be a barrier to air circulation and evaporation.  As you say this is a complex problem.  I am glad you have not had to deal with it.  I had not dealt with it either until the encounter mentioned in my previous post.  Each collector must assess for his or her self what actions to take to preserve their collection.  Sharing knowledge is always helpful in my opinion.  Use it or not, that is your prerogative.