Laurie:
The time periods come
from ISO standards. ISO 18901-2002 "Processed silver-gelatin
type black-and-white film - Specification for Stability" is the main
one which also references other ISO standards that set other conditions
that will affect the longevity of the microfilm - such as base material,
residual chemical removal, curl of the backing material, enclosures used
to store the film, etc.. In a nut-shell - polyester-based, silver
gelatin emulsion microfilm, correctly processed and stored, has a life
expectancy of AT LEAST 500 years. The time periods are based on
independent laboratory testing using artificial aging techniques as well
as experience with, testing of and observation of microfilm over its more
than 100 year existence and use. ISO standards can be purchased
directly from Geneva through the ISO web site at
www.iso.ch or through a national source
in Australia.
Ginny
Jones
(Virginia A. Jones, CRM,
MIT/LIT)
Records
Manager
Newport News Dept. of
Public Utilities
Newport News,
VA
vjones@nngov.com
- -----Original Message-----
- From: LVarendorff
[mailto:LVarendorff@BIGPOND.COM]
- Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 12:48 AM
- To: ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
- Subject: Microfilm Longevity - A cry of assistance to find
documentary proof. HELP PLEASE!
- Dear colleagues,
- I am trying to locate a verifiable source e.g. a Standard or a Test
carried out by an Independent Testing Authority in respect to the length
of time microfilm may last, and under what
conditions.
- In my 22 years as a Microfilm Bureau operator I quoted 100 years as
the longevity of archaically processed and stored microfilm. I was
brought back to my senses when I located a report from the USA Government
Printer which stated, if I recall correctly, that plain old Xerographic
Copy Paper would last 200 years if stored in archival conditions. Here I
was advocating clients to transfer their data to microfilm for long term
preservation when paper lasted twice as long. Where did I get the 100
years figure? If I recall correctly, it was from the reliable source of
Kodak Literature. Did I check on them to find a verifiable source? No, I
did not. Kodak now claim 500 years. Again where is this figure derived
from? Maybe someone can
help.
- In a recent article I note that the following is quoted:
- "Microfilm, on the other hand, is a
medium
proven
capable of lasting in excess of one
thousand years, given
reasonable
care."
- I ask here,
proven by whom? And, reasonable care, what constitutes reasonable care?
- I have attempted to locate a reliable source which can confirm this statement or even the more common statement that microfilm lasts 500 or more years.
- I have yet to find a source. Can anyone on this list assist.
- Yours Sincerely, Laurie Varendorff
- Mr Daniel Lawrance [Laurie] Varendorff,
ARMA
- A Records Management Professional, and proud of the fact.
- Consultant/Trainer/Tutor/Presenter:
Records and information Management
- Imaging and Micrographic Specialist:
26 years experience
- The Varendorff Consultancy
- ABN:
77 836 801 165
- 27 Ronneby Rd, Lesmurdie, Western Australia 6076 - AUSTRALIA
- PHONE: +61 8 9291 6925 - MOBILE: +61 0417 094 147
- EMAIL:
Laurie.Varendorff@Bigpond.com
- ********************************
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