Re: Storing microfilm Christina Torbert 02 May 2006 20:20 UTC
The library I worked at previously had a long standing policy of interfiling all formats in the stacks by call number, and used the plastic boxes for shelving microfilm as Lucy described. (Since I left, I believe there has been an administrative push at that library to change the interfiling policy and to purchase microfilm cabinets.) >From my experience with the shelving boxes, you could get smaller boxes that each hold two rolls and that interlock with other boxes to form as large a grouping as you need. These smaller boxes are a good option IF you have MANY titles with one or two reels, but they are difficult to balance and to manipulate in larger groupings. If most of your titles are multi-reeled, buy the sturdier boxes that hold six or eight reels. Either way, microfilm on shelves is problematic, as others have noted. Christina Torbert Head of Serials & Associate Professor J.D. Williams Library University of Mississippi ctorbert@olemiss.edu 662-915-7059 662-915-6744 fax -----Original Message----- From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Lucy Crews Sent: Monday, May 01, 2006 3:56 PM To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [SERIALST] Storing microfilm We have had over 1000 reels of microfilm added through a history grant over the last two years. Initially we put them on the shelves alphabetical by title as all other serials are currently arranged in our room. However, we have these particular films barcoded and a call number assigned so they can be scanned into in-house use before reshelving, thus allowing us stats on this collection. I am in the process of purchasing storage boxes that hold 5 or 8 reels of film, so that titles with multiple pieces can be boxed and stored more neatly on the shelves. I have two debates going with other staff : 1. Leave the title arrangement or rearrange by call number. ( We do have students who wonder why the film is not by call number since there is one in the catalog. ) 2. If we rearrange by call number, would it make since to put multiple titles in a storage box ? We have many titles that have only one reel, or just two. Rather than have so many loose reels I wanted to combine a range of call numbers in a box. That way everything is in a box on the shelves. (Easier for moving and cleaning too.) What are others doing ? How are microfilm collections stored in your library ? Have you encountered problems with any of the above methods ? Thanks for your input. Your advice is appreciated. Lucy A. Crews Catalog / Serials Librarian Grafton Library Mary Baldwin College Staunton, Virginia 24401 Ph : 540-887-7088 Fax : 540-887-7297 Email: LCREWS@MBC.EDU Access, Service, Knowledge : ASK@Grafton Library