Microfilm Storage - Kodak i7300 User Manual

Microfilm storage

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Microfilm should always be handled and stored with care. Storage of
your film should be based on the following:
How long you want to keep the images on the microfilm: short,
medium, long term, or permanently.
How difficult the images are to replace.
The cost of preserving the microfilm.
For maximum protection of your microfilmed images, you should
duplicate each reel of film and use the duplicate reels for retrieval
operations. The original reels should be stored at a different location.
In general, use the same rules for storing microfilm as you would for
storing paper documents. For example:
A relative humidity level between 15 and 60 percent should be
maintained.
Relative humidity above 60 percent can cause mildew to form on
stored microfilm. Moisture-tight cans can help protect the film
against moisture.
Relative humidity below 15 percent can cause a static charge to
build up on the microfilm, or cause older film to become brittle.
Water damage: if microfilm becomes wet, the film may warp. Store
your film off the floor to protect it from flooding. If your microfilm
becomes wet, do not let it dry. This can cause the film to stick
together. Completely immerse the film in clean water, and have it
rinsed and dried by a professional processing lab as soon as
possible.
Exposure to contaminants: paint fumes, coal gas, ozone, ammonia
(produced by some photo copiers), and other chemical
contaminants can cause microfilm to fade or form microscopic
blemishes. To avoid this damage, use air conditioning, air filtration,
and other means to remove airborne contamination.
Using rubber bands on microfilm: residual sulfur from the vulcanizing
process can promote the growth of microscopic blemishes on the
film.
Excessive heat: heat can cause the microfilm to buckle and distort,
or decrease readability. To protect your film from fire, consider using
fireproof storage vaults, cabinets, or safes.
A-61404 February 2003