CRAC STAFF WORKSHOP IMAGING MARCH 15, 2011 Micrographics 101 CRAC STAFF WORKSHOP IMAGING MARCH 15, 2011

DISCLAIMER / WARNING This is a training workshop, but local practices do vary from county to county according to local policy and practice as well as local county counsel opinions. No practice or procedure you become aware of as a result of this workshop should be implemented in your own office without the full AWARENESS and APPROVAL of the County Clerk or Recorder for whom you work.

Microfilm Formats Roll - 16mm and 35mm Cartridges Microfiche - Jackets Microfiche - Step & Repeat Computer Output Microfilm (COM) Aperture Cards

Microfilm Types Silver Halide Camera Negative Silver Duplicate Acetate Base - LE100 Polyester Base - LE500 Suitable for “Archival” Storage

Microfilm Types Diazo Duplicating Film used for making same polarity “working” copies Processed using Ammonia Not Suitable for “Archival” Storage Comes in Black, Blue-Black & Blue Colors

Microfilm Types Vesicular Duplicating Film used for making reverse polarity “working” copies Not Suitable for “Archival” Storage Comes in various colors

Silver Halide Microfilm Processing Requires a film processor with toxic chemicals Polysulfide Toning will increase resistance to redox Processing needs to be monitored for quality Consistent Density Scratches, Water Spots Regular Methylene Blue Testing

Storage Conditions “Archival” Enclosures Plastic Boxes - pure polypropylene or polyethylene Acid-free, lignin-free paper boxes ISO 18902:2001 - (formerly ANSI/AIIM 9.2-1991)

Storage Conditions Climate Control Temperature - 70º F or LESS Humidity 30-35% RH Minimal variation within a 24 hour period - 5% ISO 18911:2000

Storage Conditions Pollution Formaldehyde - carpeting, insulation, synthetic fabrics Ozone – smog, copiers, laser printers Peroxide - breakdown of paper fibers (Lignin) by acids

Microfilm Degradation Redox Appears as red spots or silver “sheen” on the emulsion side of the film Most commonly caused by Peroxide gas released from low quality microfilm boxes Can also be cause by atmospheric pollutants listed above Effects both Acetate and Polyester Films Removing the source of the oxidant will halt the problem, but it can’t be cured Prevention is the key

Microfilm Degradation - Redox Photos

Microfilm Degradation Vinegar Syndrome Affects Acetate base film only - Polyester film is immune. Acetate film stored properly should last 100 years before the onset of symptoms. Acetate base degrades with time, temperature and humidity - releasing Acetic Acid which causes the base to shrink and warp. Higher temperature and humidity will accelerate the process. Once the Vinegar smell begins, colder temperature/lower humidity will slow down the process but it is irreversible. The only solution is to make a silver duplicate on polyester film before the damage becomes too great.

Microfilm Degradation - Vinegar Syndrome Photos

Microfilm Generations Camera Negative - 1st Generation - readable looking at base of the film 2nd Generation - duplicate made from the Camera Negative - readable looking at the emulsion side of the film 3rd Generation - duplicate made from the 2nd Generation - readable looking at the base of the film etc.

Silver Halide Microfilm Structure From Keeping the Legacy of Trust by Robert Breslawski - Eastman Kodak Company “Older” microfilm has an acetate base “Newer” microfilm has a polyester base

How to determine the emulsion side The emulsion side of the film is duller than the base side Look at a dark section the film in reflected light and compare the two sides If you can’t tell which is the dull side: Lip Test - emulsion side will stick to your lip, the base won’t Scratch Test - a deep scratch on the emulsion side will remove the emulsion (do this far away from any images, please!!!!)

Film Polarity Negative - white letters on a black background Positive - black letters on a white/clear background Photostats - see the next slide there isn’t enough room on this one!!

Photostats - the original The original “photocopy” process A full-size photographic reproduction of the original document It was a “wet processed” photographic negative The original document was returned to the owner. The Official Record was a photographic, negative paper copy - white letters on a black background

Photostat of an Official Record Document

Photostats microfilmed By definition, “normally” processed microfilm is a “negative” copy of the document that was filmed (“original”) However, in this case, the “original” was a “negative” A negative of a negative is a positive - -2 X -2 = +4 So microfilmed photostats are “negatives” that appear “positive” Got it??

Film Examples Negative film - note the film is clear between the frames Positive film - note the film is black between the frames Photostats - documents appear positive, but the film is clear between the frames

Final Thoughts Always handle film by the edges and wear gloves Camera negative film should never be used as a “working copy” Camera negative film should be stored in a secure, climate controlled vault Camera negative film should be stored in proper “Archival” boxes Don’t put camera negative film in cartridges Do you know where your film is?