Preserving Microfilm at the National Archives and Records Administration
Channel: AIC & FAIC
Date: 2016-08-19

By Sara Shpargel, National Archives and Records Administration
From the Plastics Associated with Photographic Materials symposium

Abstract: Prior to digitization, microfilm was considered the primary method of copying, circulating and preserving historical records. The holdings of National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) include approximately 2 million reels of microfilm on both acetate and polyester film. Many records on microfilm are currently being digitized both through NARA and through digital partners working with NARA. As a result, a number of reels of acetate microfilm
have come to the conservation lab for examination and treatment to remedy blocked film, poor quality splices, tape and labels obscuring textual information, surface dirt and tears. This paper
will present examples of deterioration issues, treatment examples and preservation and digitization challenges from the conservator’s prospective as encountered with microfilm at
NARA.

Speaker bio: Sara Shpargel has held the position of Senior Photograph Conservator at the National Archives and Records Administration since 2006. Prior to that, she was a conservator at the Library of Congress from 2003-2006. Sara received a B.A. in art conservation from the University of Delaware, an M.A. and Certificate of Advanced Study in art conservation with specialization in photographic materials and paper from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, and completion of the Advanced Residency Program in Photograph Conservation at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film.