Suzi,
There are several variables you will need to consider such as the
quality of the CD ROM (older or lesser quality CDs are likely to last
for a shorter amount of time than high-quality new ones). Temperature
and humidity levels and the amount of useage will also affect their
longevity. Also it is important to ensure that they are kept away from
u-v light, strong magnetic fields or major fluctuations in
environmental conditions.
Bearing all that in mind some sample generic figures for CD-ROM are
available from 'Preservation Management of Digital Materials: A
Handbook' by Maggie Jones and Neil Beagrie. I quote:
25RH & 10 degrees C = 30 years
30RH & 15 degrees C = 15 years
40RH & 20 degrees C = 3 years
50RH & 25 degrees C = 9 months
50RH & 28 degrees C = 3 months
Please note that the figures for CD/DVD are significantly different.
Hope this helps
Steve Bailey
Electronic Records Manager
Joint Information Systems Committee
Quoting "Taylor, Suzy" <[log in to unmask]>:
> Could anyone tell me how long I can expect a CD full of files to be
> accessible if it is never accessed (except for periodic audits).
> Essentially I am establishing an archiving policy and I want to advise
> that we re-copy our master every X years.
>
> Can anyone help me with a figure to replace the X?
>
> Would be very grateful for any recommendation.
>
> Regards
>
> Suzy Taylor
> Information and Records Team
> H J Banks and Co Ltd
> Inkerman Road
> Tow Law
> Co Durham
> DL13 4HG
>
>
>
>
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