The document outlines the definitions, types, advantages, and disadvantages of microforms, as well as their organization and storage requirements in libraries. It highlights the importance of proper retrieval processes and provides recommendations for selecting and managing microforms, along with reference materials for further guidance. Key considerations include image magnification, storage environments, and user access to microforms.

1. MICROFORMS
Prepared By:
BACTOL, Marielea
LADONGA, Aidyl
MAGNO, Janine D.
MAYDAN, Donnalyne P.

2. MICROFORMS
- Is applied to all forms of micro reproduction on
film or paper.
- Microforms are generally viewed by individual
users at specially designed machines, or readers
which provide the needed magnification.
- Another definition of “Microform” , from Juan
the Librarian, are the materials that contain a
miniature reproduction of printed or other
graphic matter which cannot be utilized without
magnification.

5. • MICROGRAPHICS is the term for the
overall technology in the creation
and use of microforms.
• MICROIMAGE is a reproduction of
an object, such as a source
document, which is too small to be
read or viewed without
magnification.

6. Types of Microfroms:
1. Microfiche
2. Micropaques
3. Aperturecard
4. Microreels
5. Microcards
6. Microscope slides

7. • A computer-output
microforms are output devices
that can render microscopic
format of documents.

8. In usage, microforms are viewed primarily by
individuals rather than by groups. In addition,
the format can serve two main purposes in
organizations :
• Records can be purchased and stored for
research and archival reasons
• Current institutional records can be produced,
stored, and utilized in microforms.

9. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1. Can reduce binding costs of serials 1. Additional space for specified
equipment
2. Improve both services to users and
administrative functions.
2. Cost savings are somewhat offset by
additional expenses incurred
3. Collection development needs are
furthered through the purchase because
of availability of wide range.
3. Difficulties encountered when
purchasing
4. Conserve storage or shelf space 4. Encountered resistance from both staff
and users.

13. ACQUISITION
SEVERAL CONSIDERATIONS MUST BE TAKEN IN
SELECTING MICROFORMS :
1. Image magnification
2. Format
3. Finish
4. Polarity
5. Readability

14. Microform selection will also be more
effective if reviews on these materials are
considered.
Published printed guides to microform selection
includes :
1. Guide to microforms in Print
2. National Register of Microform Masters
3. Microform review
Websites:
1. Umi
2. Chadwyek-Healey
3. Norman Ross

15. ORGANIZATION
In the library of Simon Fraser University,
they are organizing the three types of
microforms:
• Microfilm
• Microfiche
• Micro-cassette

16. Microfilms
The microfilms are arranged in two sections:
• Microforms Newspapers/Journals
Newspapers, Magazines & Journals in microfilm format
arranged alphabetically by title (labeled in the map
below).
• Microforms Classified - Microfilm in call number order
Other types of publications (mostly government
publications and theses) arranged by call number. The
call numbers for microfilms always start with one or
two letters, then "02", then more numbers. E.g., PN 02
12

17. Microfiches
• Microfiche in the collection are all labeled
as Microforms Classified in the SFU Library
catalogue, but within that broad area they are
further divided into two sections according to
the original form of publication. These
sections are further divided into subsections
based on the size of the microfiche.

18. Microfiches
• Microforms Classified -
Books, annual reports, theses, government
documents, conference proceedings, etc.
Classification letters A-Z followed by size codes

19. Microfiches
• Periodicals
Arranged alphabetically by title A-Z, sub-
arranged by size of the fiche.
For example:
Microforms Small Fiche = 3 x 5 inch fiche
Microforms Large Fiche = 4 x 6 inch fiche

20. STORAGE
This is from Association for Library
Collections & Technical Services:
Microform Storage:
• Housing
• Cabinets & Shelving
• Environment

21. STORAGE
Housing
• Microform should be stored in pH-neutral or
alkaline-buffered boxes or sleeves to prevent
deterioration that might occur from acidic
enclosures.
• Alkaline-buffered button ties are best for
protecting roll microfilms. Rubber bands yield
gases that lead to deterioration and should be
avoided.

22. STORAGE
Housing
• Microfiche should be stored separately in
sleeves and appropriately labeled as “1 of #,”
“2 of #” and so on.
• Metal reels can rust and produce chemicals
that lead to deterioration.

23. STORAGE
Cabinets and Shelving
• Microforms are best protected by storing
them in closed cabinets.
• Stainless steel cabinets with powder coatings
of finely divided, synthetic polymer materials
are fused onto the steel.
• Powder-coated steel cabinets do not off-gas
chemicals as baked enamel or wooden
shelving is known to do.

24. STORAGE
Cabinets and Shelving
• Microforms should be stored in an area with total
protection from damaging ultraviolet radiation
emitted from sunlight and fluorescent lighting.
• It is also recommended, for microfiche in
particular, that the storage cases be of a height
that permits easy browsing.
• If the cabinets are too high, the risk is greater
that staff patrons will not have easy access to the
correct location in the filing system.

25. STORAGE
Environment
• Storage environments require very cool and
dry environmental conditions, which are not
comfortable for patron facilities.
• Should be stored in a different facility and
separate from the service copies.

26. STORAGE
• Storage environments should be dark, cool,
and free of pests.
• Another option is storing boxed reels in
archival-quality storage boxes. Standard sizes
of archival storage boxes hold twenty-four
rolls of 35mm film or forty-eight rolls of 16mm
film. The storage boxes should be shelved
horizontally.

27. Storage & Maintenance
• Microforms need protection from excessive
dryness and dust
• Control of temperature and humidity
• Control of chemicals and light
• Proper storage containers and cases
• Requires proper storage and care
• Adequate protection during use.

28. RETRIEVAL
In Umass Amherst Libraries, it needs
retrieval request for microform.
• It is only retrieved from Monday to Friday.
• The users need to fill-up the form of
request.

30. RETRIEVAL
• The users will need a Borrower's Card to
use and check out microforms.
• The users will receive an email
confirmation when microforms are
available for pick-up. If the users do not
have an email address, confirmation will be
made by telephone.
• Retrieved microforms can be checked out
from the Circulation/Reserves desk.

31. RETRIEVAL
The study of Wicker (1970) about
microform retrieval system has documented
design objectives and specifications for 2 (two)
retrieval devices.

32. RETRIEVAL
• One is a relatively low-cost system utilizing
cartridges for storing and handling of microfiche.
This system is recommended primarily for small
users with active collections under 10,000 in size.
• The second system is a fully automated, modular
system which provides for on-line operation of a
variety of output devices including reader-
printers, duplicators and remote terminals. This
system is recommended primarily for users with
active collections up to 30,000 in size.

33. REFERENCES
Canipe, K., et.al. (2018). Managing Microforms
in the Digital Age. Retrieved from
www.ala.org/alcts/resources/collect
/serials/microforms04
McLntosh, M. (2017). Microforms collection.
Retrieved from www.lib.sfu.ca/find/other-
materials/microforms
Shontz, M. L. (1987). Microforms. In J. Ellison & P.
Coty (Eds.), Nonbook media: collection
management and user services (pp. 140-160).
Chicago: American Library Association.

34. REFERENCES
Umass Amherst Libraries. (2018). Microforms
retrieval request. Retrieved from
www.library.umass.edu/services/borrowin
g/request-an-item/microform-retrieval-
request/
Wicker, R. (1970). Microfiche storage and
retrieval system study: final report.
Retrieved from eric.ed.gov/?id=ED046400