Microfilm Acquisition Policy

5/27/2017

Libraries have developed and provided access to microfilm collections since the early 20th century. Microfilm is a medium with a long shelf life that libraries can use for preserving the scholarly record. With the introduction of digital resources and the conversion of continuing resources to online formats, many libraries have reduced or eliminated their collecting of microform materials.

As an ARL library, and in support of our status as the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts, it is necessary that we continue to collect microfilm in a mindful and sustainable way.

Cancel microfilm if:

The title is available through CRL

The print subscription has been cancelled

The selector determines the title is no longer needed

Portico archives this AND we have a current electronic subscription

The title is available online in a reliable platform, such as JSTOR

Newspapers:

Convert to digital microfilm if available

If no digital microfilm is available, continue to receive microfilm for select titles for scholarly historical research

Binding:

We will not bind journals when we receive microfilm

We will not bind magazines, due to the low quality of the paper which does not lend itself to archiving. Instead, we will use PAM boxes.