Collection Guidelines - Other Collections
Microform
Definition:Microform is the generic term for books, periodicals, newspapers, documents, etc. which are recorded in miniaturized form on a strip of film (microfilm) or a small sheet of film (microfiche).
Purpose: microform collections have been the traditional way libraries acquire and store journal archives, newspaper archives and other specialist collections of resources.
The advantages of microform :- relatively inexpensive
- long preservation life; stable medium
- allows high density storage
- guaranteed long term ownership
- the need for specialist facilities for storage, viewing, printing and USB reproduction
- poor useability compared with digital. Digital formats are normally preferred due to improved accessibility,searchability, useability and reduced space requirements
Preservation and archival quality of microform materials varies according to the type of film or fiche being utilized. The Library normally acquires "Silver halide" whenever possible: silver halide microfilm has an archival longevity of over one hundred years -- if properly stored and if protected from heat and dust. "Vesicular" or "Diazo" film or fiche are not normally preferred as they have a lesser life span.
Holdings - The Library's Microform collections contain the following types of materials:- Journal archives
- Newspaper archives
- Statistical resources
- Monograph collections
- Law reviews
- Proceedings/Transactions
- Specialist research collections
Locations: the Library's Microform collections are located as appropriate in either a campus library’s microform collection, ADPML, SPC or low use storage depending upon the nature of the content.
Microform review and de-selection
Microform titles should be reviewed regularly for their continued relevance to the teaching, learning and research activities of the University (see Deselection (Weeding) Guidelines). Some microform content may also have been replaced by a digital version and therefore require a retention decision.
The review of microform titles for possible de-selection or transfer to CARM should be undertaken carefully and take into account the following points:
- The majority of microform titles have been acquired to support current and long term future research activities so their usage would be expected to be low. Low usage is not therefore an adequate indicator of future usefulness.
- Some extensive journal /newspaper runs or specialist collections in microform have been extremely expensive to acquire and intended for long term preservation. Microform still has the advantage of low space requirements and longevity.
- Digital versions may not have the equivalent content of the microform title.
- Digital preservation may not be as secure as microform (though digital preservation is improving all the time with JSTOR, CLOCKSS and Portico initiatives).
- The removal of microform titles may impact on the Library’s asset valuation and depreciation.
Extremely low use research microform titles should be considered for transfer to low use storage or referred to the Collection Advisory Group for possible relegation to the CARM storage centre. Titles identified for removal from campus collections should be reviewed for possible relevance to SPC or ADPML. Microform titles with digital equivalents should be reviewed for possible removal but content, preservation, ownership and depreciation issues need to be considered.
All recommendations for microform removal need to be referred to the Collection Advisory Group for consideration and approval.
Last updated March 2011
