RE: [padg] Microfilm question

["Sherry Byrne" <sbyr@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Karen.  Regular rubber bands should never be used on microfilm.  I
believe UMI uses a rubber band that is a special formulation without
sulfur or other damaging components that interact or off-gas.  The only
problem is you can't tell when what type of rubber band was used when
you are reviewing older microfilms.  If you choose your own product,
such as the acid-free strips, then you know it is safe.

Sherry

Sherry Byrne
Preservation Librarian
University of Chicago Library
1100 E. 57th Street
Chicago, IL  60626
(773) 702-9313  voice
(773) 702-6623
sbyr@xxxxxxxxxxxx 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Muller [mailto:kmuller@xxxxxxx] 
Sent: Friday, October 12, 2007 3:49 PM
To: padg@xxxxxxx
Subject: [padg] Microfilm question

In the spirit of "The only dumb question is the one that goes unasked":

I have always heard that microfilm should never be secured with rubber
bands.

I've just started a project, with the help of an intern, to add our
holdings of microform to our catalog.  I found a whole run of one
periodical, each with rubber bands (rotting rubber bands ...) around the
film on the reel.  Then I checked the new roll of film that had just
come in from the UMI-successor company for an ALA periodical ... and
found a rubber band around the reel.

Shouldn't we have those acid-free paper wraps on all the reels?  And if
so, why are brand new reels coming from the vendor with rubber bands?

-- Karen Muller, MLS
   Librarian and Knowledge Management Specialist
   American Library Association
   50 East Huron Street
   Chicago, IL 60611 USA

kmuller@xxxxxxx

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