[PADG:147] FW: Microfiche as Hazardous Material

["Schnare, Robert, Prof." <schnarer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

FYI  Comments on microfiche.   Bob Schnare

-----Original Message-----
From: Scheck, George, Mr. 
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 3:29 PM
To: Schnare, Robert, Prof.; Rosa, Lucille, Mrs.; Rowe, Wayne, Mr.
Subject: FW: Microfiche as Hazardous Material



     Number 4
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of Government Document Issues
[mailto:GOVDOC-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Julia F. Wallace
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 2:45 PM
To: GOVDOC-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Microfiche as Hazardous Material


There is an article on microfiche and film at this site:
http://www.nedcc.org/plam3/tleaf51.htm

It is OK to assume that fiche from the FDLP is diazo, so does not have
silver in it.  "Tossing" should not be a problem.  Compare depository
fiche with fiche you have purchased from private vendors.  As this
author says, diazo fiche is shiny on both sides.  Silver is a non-shiny,
matte finish on the back.  Diazo is tougher for daily use but
deteriorates more quickly, especially if exposed to light.  Since you
pay big money for the silver halide from vendors, I assume you won't be
discarding it.

One other thing we were told some years ago is that you should not mix
the two kinds of fiche in the same cabinet...not always possible!

Julie

At 11:48 AM 8/11/2004, you wrote:
>Julie,
>
>Thank you for this information.  How can we find out for sure if what 
>we have is hazardous?  We have always "tossed" withdrawn microfiche.
>
>
>Karen B. Winkle
>Government Documents Specialist
>Dupont-Ball Library
>Stetson University
>Deland, Florida
>kwinkle@xxxxxxxxxxx
>386-822-7191
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Julia F. Wallace [mailto:j-wall@xxxxxxx]
>Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 12:20 PM
>To: GOVDOC-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: Re: Microfiche as Hazardous Material
>
>
>The depository microfiche you receive do not have silver in them.  That

>is in the expensive microfiche you purchase, and probably would not 
>dispose of anyway... GPO distributes fiche in the less expensive (and 
>less permanent) diazo format.  I suspect some expert will post 
>information suggesting that is not hazardous in the way that silver is,

>tho I imagine that burning it in the open would not be a good idea...
>
>Julie
>
>
>
>At 10:57 AM 8/11/2004, you wrote:
> >Govdoc-l,
> >
> >I just received a phone call from another library informing me that 
> >microfiche are hazardous materials and need special disposition. The 
> >University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's environment, health and

> >safety web site lists them as hazardous and require recycling for the

> >silver content and stating that they should not be placed in the 
> >trash.
> >
> >I hadn't heard heard this before and want to know what others are 
> >doing
>
> >to dispose of microfiche.
> >
> >Virginia K. P. Rigby
> >North Harris College
>
>******************************************************************
>Julia F. Wallace                           Phone: (612) 626-7520
>Government Publications Library              FAX: (612) 626-9353
>10 Wilson Library
>309 - 19th Avenue South
>University of Minnesota
>Minneapolis, MN 55455-0414              Mailto:j-wall@xxxxxxx

******************************************************************
Julia F. Wallace                           Phone: (612) 626-7520
Government Publications Library              FAX: (612) 626-9353
10 Wilson Library
309 - 19th Avenue South
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0414              Mailto:j-wall@xxxxxxx