Conservation of microfilm

Miguel Hernandez, writing for Marie Vander Meeren, asks about the
composition of microfilms, appropriate environmental storage
conditions, and appropriate biocides.

Probably a good first introduction would be Henry Wilhelm's The
Permanence and Care of Color Photographs, since there are several
sections in the book dealing with microfilm. In addition, I can also
think of Nancy Gwinn's Preservation Microfilming: A Guide for
Librarians and Archivists.

In terms of biocides, there's nothing better than ensuring the
appropriate climatic controls. In other words, there is virtually
nothing which is an effective biocide (most especially when
considering mold) which is also safe for both people and film
collections (for example, there is evidence that zinc fluosilicate
is an effective fungistat and it has been recommended by Kodak in
the past for both films and prints, but it is also *very* toxic to
people). Assuming this isn't master negative film, I would inclined
to use a product like PEC-12 and simply remove the visible mold,
replace the box, and *improve* the storage conditions.Even
increasing ventilation can dramatically reduce the potential for
mold. Without knowing more about the exact situation there isn't
much more I can say. Best wishes,

Michael Trinkley, Ph.D.
Director
Chicora Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 8664
Columbia, SC  29202-8664
803-787-6910

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                 Conservation DistList Instance 10:108
                   Distributed: Monday, June 9, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-108-005
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