Evidence of advanced stages of deterioration can be substantiated readily. Last year, highly skilled staff microfilmed 8,366 volumes. Filming is often initiated when a book or journal earmarked for repair has become so brittle that treatment proves not to be a viable option. Others are carefully wrapped or boxed and sent to the Harvard Depository. Microfilm quality Microfilm produced since 1965 in the Harvard College Library Imaging Services program meets or exceeds national standards for quality and permanence.
Preservation microfilming involves the creation of multiple products.
The master negative is thereafter housed permanently in a microfilm vault in the Harvard Depository, where optimal storage conditions are maintained. Should the service copy become lost or damaged, a new one can be made from the printing negative. The value of microfilming Microfilming enables Harvard's libraries to loan copies of printed materials without diminishing local access to the collections. Not every scholar has the opportunity to travel to the University to consult the research materials amassed here, but reels of microfilm can be shipped to any location. This is especially important where large, heavy volumes are concerned.