Microfilm fundamentals

In this ever-changing world of technology, one medium that has been in use for more than a century and constant in many of our lives is microfilm. Microfilm is everywhere--our hospitals, schools, libraries, governments and in private and public companies. A medium we are very familiar with--or are we?

Microfilm has progressed over the years to become a more sophisticated storage medium, integrating itself well with today's computer technologies. The current generation of microfilm has spawned new hybrid systems which combine image scanning and microfilm functions. The trend is to integrate microfilm recorders with digital scanners that digitize microfilm for electronic processing. Microfilm can be downloaded to optical disk databases, can retrieve images through PCs and print to laser printers, and can transmit directly to facsimile. This is an industry undergoing tremendous technological change.

Microfilm is a proven and mature technology for image capturing and offers a durable, inexpensive and reliable medium for the storage and retrieval of information. It is a proven archival medium for long-term storage with low equipment costs and comparatively fast retrieval, and it continues to remain a simple, economical form of imaging. It is acceptable as evidence in courts in the U.S. and Canada. Despite these benefits, however, it is a sophisticated technology and one that must be dealt with accordingly. Knowledge and planning are essential when developing an in-house microfilm program.

The popular Handbook of Microfilm Technology and Procedures will help you understand' the use of microfilm as a storage medium, and help those of you who are considering the installation of a business microfilm operation by guiding you through microfilm fundamentals, technology and procedures.

This fourth edition has improved and updated the content, which has been placed in a new and easier-to-reference format. The primary emphasis of this handbook continues to be on source document microfilm systems, and includes technological developments and standards changes that have occurred since the third edition. An index, an expanded glossary, new material on film lubrication, court-ordered expungement of microfilm files, environmental concerns for processing laboratories, and procedures for the destruction of microfilm records have also been added. The appearance of this handbook has been transformed, with easier-to-read type, a much roomier layout, and a new binding.

Everything you ever wanted to know about microfilm is contained in this handbook. The 'Introduction' is an overview on the use of microfilm in business today. The first section, 'Microfilm in Records Management,' is valuable information on why microfilm is an efficient records management tool, and covers the points which must be considered before a microfilm system is chosen. When designing a microfilm program, the need to carefully analyze existing systems and evaluate business requirements is strongly emphasized before undertaking the process. This section is a short one, but manages to give records managers the perfect introduction to why and when to use microfilm in an organization.

The handbook continues on and opens up the discussion of the 'Fundamentals of Microfilm' which includes topics on microfilm formats, computer output microfilm (COM), microfilm equipment, and microfilm indexing including the use of bar coding and computer assisted retrieval (CAR).

'Microfilm Technology' examines the different types of film, document filming (orientation of documents on the film), film resolution and density, processing, and film duplication.

'Microfilm Standards' covers image longevity and quality, system compatibility (internal standards), and legal issues when using microfilm as the accepted legal copy of records.

Procedures, an integral part of any micrographics program, are covered in 'Basic Microfilm Procedures' and such topics as equipment logs and maintenance, film file production, splicing, expungement, deletion, correction and amendment of microfilm images, as well as the destruction of microfilm records, are discussed in this final chapter.

The Glossary is a good resource of terms and definitions. Appendix 'A' contains a wide selection of form samples used in microfilm operations. These forms can be used as they are presented, or used as a base when designing your own. Appendix 'B' details the National Microfilm Standards relevant to COM, microfilm production, and microfilm reader/printers.

In summary, this is a good handbook on the A-Zs of microfilm. For individuals writing the CRM exams, it is a definite information resource. It explains in detailed, technical terms the microfilm process and its components. There's nothing hi-tech in the design of this handbook--it's plain and simple, and I like it. It's easy to read and the introductory graphics at the beginning of each section are a nice touch!

TITLE: Handbook of Microfilm Technology and Procedures--Fourth Edition

AUTHOR: Virginia A. Jones, CRM

PUBLISHER: QP Publishing, Crestview, FL

DATE OF PUBLICATION: February 1993

LENGTH: 107 pages, plus index and two appendices

PRICE: $25.95

ORDER FROM: VA Jones Associates, 201 Antietam Court, Hampton, Virginia 23669

Copyright Association of Records Managers Administrators Inc. Apr 1994
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved