What’s that smell? Managing deteriorating microfilm collections in libraries and archives

Abstract

The use of microphotography in libraries has its roots in the 1930s and 1940s. Microforms have served many functions within libraries and archives, primarily to save space and preserve scarcely used or rare materials. While the benefits to libraries are substantial, unfortunately microform materials are susceptible to damage and deterioration over time, resulting in a tremendous loss of information in libraries and archives across the world. Unfortunately, once damage to microforms occurs, it cannot be stopped, just slowed. This article discusses the efforts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Edith Garland Dupré Library to manage significant damage to its microform holdings. Based on personal experiences and rooted in practices documented in the research literature, the author identifies best practices and remediation options for managing deteriorating microform collections in libraries and archives.