The Unit works closely with Acquisitions and Collection Development staff to prioritize materials and provide the most appropriate replacement or reformatting option. The format chosen for surrogate copies vary, dependant upon original format, content, costs, and expected usage patterns.
Commercial reprints are generally the most cost-effective option for replacment.
When reprints are unavailable, items are reformatted via preservation microfilming or preservation photocopying. The viability of digital formats for preservation and access is being explored. Reformatting Unit staff physically prepare materials for reformatting, work with vendors to procure appropriate reformatting services, and inspect materials for quality upon their receipt. The Unit is also responsible for assessing, cleaning, and repairing the University Libraries microfilm collections.