It can be tough to tell. We look for glossiness – Diazo is glossy on both sides; silver halide is glossy on one side and matte on the side with the emulsion.
See the following NARA document:
http://www.archives.gov/preservation/records-emergency/pdf/microfilm.pdf
-
Kay
Kay G. Johnson
Head of Collection and Technical Services
McConnell Library, Radford University
540-831-5703
540-831-6214 (fax)
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU]
On Behalf Of Benham, Anne (apb4n)
Sent: Friday, August 02, 2013 4:05 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [SERIALST] two questions relating to microforms
Has anyone encountered problems with microfilm being scratched while in use on microform scanners? We recently had this problem and were told by our scanner tech that there's nothing
wrong with our equipment that could have caused the scratching. The problem occurred when patrons used either the fast-forward or fast-reverse buttons when the carrier tray with film loaded was pushed in.
Can anyone recommend a sure way to distinguish between silver halide and diazo microfilm and/or suggest a source that provides images of these two types of film? We understand
that silver halide film is more easily scratched than diazo.
Thanks very much,
Anne Benham
UVA Library Periodicals/Microforms
and Government Information.
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