Tattle-Tape for CDs

Janet Gertz <gertz [at] columbia__edu> writes

>3M is advertizing a product called DCD-2 security strips.  It
>consists of a circle of clear film holding two tattle tapes, with
>adhesive to hold it to the label side of a CD.  Has anyone
>investigated this product?

The Library of Congress's discussions with 3M vis-a-vis CDs is that
they have tested their adhesive "on their CD products, but not on
CDs from other manufacturers." Thus, since

    1.  no specific testing has been done on accelerated aging and
        effects of security strips--3M's or others--on stability of
        a wide range of CDs from varying sources and qualities; and
        since

    2.  the lacquer layer of CDs (the label side in most/all? cases
        for published CDs) is well known to be especially
        susceptible to various acids (remember the problem with inks
        a few years back);

the Library of Congress has decided that no label or marking should
be put directly onto the surface of a CD which is intended for
longterm storage or use.

We are attempting to locate an alternative marking/securing device
for CDs. If you have solutions that work for you or suggestions of
same please let me know.

Gerald Gibson
Preservation Research and Testing Division
Library of Congress
Washington, D.C. 20540-4560
202-707-1055
Fax: 202-707-6449

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:57
                 Distributed: Friday, December 13, 1996
                       Message Id: cdl-10-57-004
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