[PADG:1550] ALA Midwinter Micro/Digital Publishing DG

["Walter Cybulski" <CYBULSKW@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The ALCTS/PARS Micro/Digital Publishing Discussion Group is scheduled for 
Sunday, January 20th, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The location listed is 
Marriott, Mardi Gras BR B (Ballroom B).
 
There are two agenda items:
 
1. Austin McLean, Director of Publishing at ProQuest Information and 
Learning, will demonstrate how ProQuest/UMI is utilizing electron beam 
("e-beam") technology.  E-beam technology offers the potential to deliver 
high quality digital and microform master images from a single manufacturing 
process.  It is possible that this technology may, as Mr. Austin notes, 
"revolutionize the creation of microform images."  Those in attendance will 
be able to view microfilm created using the e-beam process.  ProQuest has 
also been asked to demonstrate the feasibility of re-scanning material from 
e-beamed microfilm.  The premise is that the film will be available for 
future re-scanning(s) as needed.
 
2. Open discussion on the status of commercially owned collections of 
camera master microfilm collections.  What storage conditions are being 
maintained?  What access is being provided?  Are there any periodic 
condition inspections of the stored collections?  What arrangements are 
being made for the disposition of the collections in the event the current 
owners go out of business, decide not to maintain film holdings or cease to 
offer traditional film duplication services?
 
Walter Cybulski
Co-Chair, ALCTS/PARS Micro/Digital Publishing DG
c/o Preservation & Collection Mgmt. Unit
National Library of Medicine
Bldg. 38, Room B1-E21
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20894
301-496-2690
fax: 301-496-2864