Electronic storage is becoming an increasingly popular means of managing images, and, therefore, the information, slides and other photographic media contain. The principal advantages of electronic storage of images are that it completely eliminates physical damage and degradation, that it can make images accessible electronically even from remote locations and that it makes images available for other potential computer applications. The principal disadvantages to electronic storage of images are that it requires a very significant investment in computer equipment and additional staff to scan the images, that it requires staff and patron training in the use of software and that it may cause the loss of some of the detail, color and depth of the original photographic image. At present, electronic storage of photographic images is clearly out of the question for small facilities because of the costs involved. Although clearly related, it is also somewhat out of the scope of a discussion of the library issues associated with physical collections.
Fingerprints are the principal destroyers of slides.
Some have suggested that they should be handled only by the edges and with gloved hands but gloves are clumsy, can cause accidents, and may leave lint on the film. Care in handling, including making sure it is infrequent and brief, is enough. Special care needs to be taken not to contact the film surface in any way. Electrostatic deposition of dust and exposure to very bright light during normal projection is also very damaging to slides. This kind of damage is an unavoidable consequence of use but it can be minimized if projection equipment is adequately maintained and patrons are instructed in its proper use.