[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Microfilm Longevity - an answer? NARA - National Archives and Records Administration revised rules Micrographic Records Management published Tuesday 14 MAY 2002



Title: Microfilm Longevity - an answer? NARA - National Archives and Records Administration revised rules Micrographic Records Management published Tuesday 14 MAY 2002

Dear Colleagues,

In researching the area of Longevity of Microfilm with much assistance from many responses to my call for HELP! on several listserv's, I unearthed this new guideline which when I read all of the referred Standards as documented in § 1230.3 Publications incorporated by reference of  the Guideline it  would certainly fulfil my requirements.

I wish to draw your attention to the NARA "National Archives and Records Administration" revised guidelines for the Management of Micrographic Records, Federal Register Part IV  # 36 CFR Part 1230 RIM 3095-AB05 Micrographic Records Management;

Republication; Rule from John W. Carlin, Archivist of the United States which takes effect on the 10 June 2002 for all US Federal Government Agencies.

Much of the information in the document answers many of the issues in respect to earlier request for verifiable information in respect to the Life Expectancy of Microfilm e.g. LE 100 or LE 500 or in respect to the Using Dry Silver Film for Permanent Records (§ 1230.14) even though it states that  Dry silver film that meets the ISO standard has a life expectancy rating of only 100 years, while wet-processed silver-gelatin film with a polyester base has a higher life expectancy rating of 500 years. NARA has a differing view: Dry silver film is never ‘‘fixed’’ meaning, it will remain potentially developable for an indefinite period of time. Fixing is the process of removing the light sensitive silver salts. This means if the film is ever exposed to high temperatures (e. g., 120 degrees Fahrenheit to 130 degrees Fahrenheit) such as with an air conditioner failure, the film will ‘‘develop’’ and turn completely black, causing a catastrophic loss of all the information on the film.

A full listing of all the standards applicable to the creation, processing, indexing and short or long term preservation are listed in section:

§ 1230.3 Publications incorporated by reference. There are fifteen, yes fifteen standards listed as being applicable to the management of records in microfilm format.

§ 1230.14 What are the filming requirements for permanent and unscheduled records? Now allows Agencies flexibility on where they purchase their Resolution Test Targets in section: (d) Quality standards. (1) Resolution. (i) Source documents. Determine minimum resolution on microforms of source documents using the method in the Quality Index Method for determining resolution and anticipated

losses when duplicating, as described in ANSI/AIIM MS23–1998 and MS43–1998. Perform resolution tests using a ISO 3334-1991 Resolution Test Chart or a commercially available certifiable target manufactured to comply with this standard, and read the patterns following the instructions of ISO 3334–1991. Use the smallest character used to display information to determine the height used in the Quality Index formula. A Quality Index of five is required at the third generation level. Etc.

Where to get a copy of this important document? It is available as a .PDF file for download from:
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/experimental_format/proposed_changes.pdf
Even though the web address indicates Proposed Changes the guidelines were published on Tuesday May 14 2002 and cam into effect on June 10 2002.

Records Managers, Archivists, Librarians and Micrographic Specialists plus many other interested parties will or should gain much insight by absorbing the information set out in these revised Guidelines

I wish to express my thanks to all of the persons who responded to me on the List and for all those who responded to me off List in respect to my request for information in my posting: Microforms: Microfilm Longevity - A cry for assistance to find documentary proof. HELP PLEASE!

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 [08] 9291 6925 - MOBILE: + 61 0417 094 147

EMAIL: Laurie.Varendorff@Bigpond.com