Modern polyester base microfilm will last for centuries when stored properly. Unfortunately, earlier plastics used as film bases are susceptible to deterioration over much shorter periods of time.
Cellulose acetate is the most common of these older bases for microfilm. Much of the film produced before the 1980s is likely to be acetate. These collections must be monitored for decay if their content is to be preserved for future generations.
Under proper storage conditions, some acetate film may still be safe for another decade or two. But once the signs of acid decay become evident—the vinegar smell, the warping, curling, cracking—it might be too late to save the content. A regular checkup schedule is essential for any acetate film collection.
The acid-detection test strips included in your Microfilm Peace-of-Mind Kit were developed by the Image Permanence Institute at the Rochester Institute of Technology. IPI sells the strips in packets of 250, with detailed instructions. To order more strips, visit the IPI store.
If you’d like additional help evaluating the state of your microfilm holdings, we’re here for you. Backstage can analyze the state of decay in film reels sent to our preservation service center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Or we can come on-site to evaluate your entire collection.
First things first, drop us a note or give us a call. There’s no charge for talking through the options.
In most cases, duplication onto polyester base film is the simplest, most permanent remedy for acid decay. But depending on the stage of deterioration, you might be safe waiting a little longer while you plan for duplication. Temporary solutions may include cold storage or acid-absorbing molecular sieve packets, to slow the acidic process, along with continued monitoring.
After duplication, your options open up. We can:
Microfilm remains a reliable and long-lasting archival medium. There are some exceptions to this rule, and any material may become compromised if not handled correctly. If you’ve got a microfilm collection that you’re learning how to maintain, take heed to how your storage conditions will affect the longevity of your materials.
When was the last time you considered your institution’s microfilm collections? Do you have acetate film, susceptible to vinegar syndrome? Is the content findable in your catalog? Which resources would be of interest to your community if they were easier to discover and access? Where do you even start?
Backstage has partnered with libraries to support processing for many types of acquisitions. Learn more about one such project, active since 2019, where we receive LC-CAP shipments for a major United States research library and turn around materials ready for shelving or storage.
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