A24-Linc«Btw Farming, Saturday, May 1, 1999
(Continued from Page A 1)
to microfilm. The huge task is
With generous support and now nearly completed.
cooperation from the Lancaster -r- u , ,
c • re- • i, ir.no .u I he paper backfi e of
Farming office, in May 1998 the r„„ , c • i. „
University Libraries’ preservation f armm 8' 1e mi !on ’'
department began the process to . . ° er news P a P e Js, prime
... . ir i ,r,ee books, county records, archiva
convert the paper backfile (1955- } ’
1980) of the Lancaster Farming
Photo shows preservation staff member (Andy
Biggans) using a densitometer to measure the density of
a negative reef of film.
In addition to the visual inspection of each reel, a tech
nical inspection is conducted. A light-board, an eye loupe,
a densitometer, and a microscope are standard tools used
to inspect film. Each generation of each reel of film Is
inspected for minimum and maximum density, poor con
trast, over- or underexposed images, and for physical
defects such as scratches, finger prints, or water spots.
Photo shows preservation staff member Andy Biggans
using a light board and an eye loupe to inspect film.
Reformatting Lancaster Farming, A Photo Essay
(Turn to Page A2B)
&
Once the physical inspection is completed, the next phase of the preparation is
editorial propping. This involves determining the contents of each reel to ensure
that volume/page breaks occur at a logical chronological or bibliographical break.
This process is known as reel programming. A total page count is taken of each vol
ume to determine the number of volumes to appear on one reel. Generally, 600 to
800 pages fit on one 100 foot reel of 35mm film.
Photo shows preservation staff member Andy Biggans checking the number of
pages of a volume.
Once the volumes have been collated, reel-programmed, and filming targets pre-
Bared, the volupies are packed and shipped to the filming vendor for microfilming,
lational standards and recommended practices exist to ensure the quality and per
manence of microfilm. As part of the preservation filming standard, three genera
tions of film must be produced an archival (camera) master negative, a print mas
ter negative (used to produce additional copies when needed), and the service copy
(a positive image film for patron use).
This three-generation system is required for compliance with national standards
and with the recommended guidelines for microfilm copies of public records with
permanent value.
And to ensure compliance with these standards, an intensive inspection of each
reel of film is performed. Photo shows preservation staff members (front to back)
Heather Shakley and Fran Durkin performing a visual inspection of a reel of film.
Photo shows preservation staff member (Andy Biggans) using a microscope to
check the clarity and resolution of an individual microfilm frame.