---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 15:55:57 -0400
From: Lynne Stevens <lstevens@RMWC.EDU>
Subject: Re: new serials librarian seeking advice regarding  microfilm col              lection (Vani Murthy)

Vani mentioned lack of space, as well as money.  We changed all of our
microform subscriptions from film to fiche in 1996, including New York Times
and Wall Street Journal.  First, because a volume on fiche takes up so much
less space than one on film, you end up paying for, and finding space for, a
fewer number of smaller cabinets.  Second, fiche cabinets are easier to find
these days than film cabinets.  As for accessibility (i.e., reading and
printing), the new generation of Minolta reader-printers with universal
carriers (fiche and film on one machine) are easy to use, use plain paper,
adjust automatically for negative or positive image, and give a very
readable image on the screen.  We've had two for about four years, and just
added a new one with a laser printer.

We, too, are concerned about backfile, and so are keeping the microform we
have and, with very few exceptions, are continuing our fiche subscriptions
for titles we're cancelling in paper.

Lynne N. Stevens
Serials Coordinator
Lipscomb Library
Randolph-Macon Woman's College
lstevens@rmwc.edu
804 947-8133/FAX 804 947-8134

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 11:48:15 -0400
From: Murthy - Vani <vmurthy@UMD5.UMD.EDU>
Subject: new serials librarian seeking advice regarding  microfilm
collection

I am new to this profession, and I am now facing the dilemma of whether I
should continue to maintain and expand the library's microfilm collection
after recently acquiring electronic journals.  I am under pressure(from my
colleagues) to cut down the microfilm collection, and to discard several
titles such as New York Times, and The Washington Post due to lack of
space and money, and also because back-files are available online for the
subscribed electronic journals and newspapers. I am wondering if this is a
wise thing to do.  I would appreciate any advice regarding this problem,
and I will gladly contact you if you want to share your experiences with
me.  You can send your replies to me directly, and I will be happy to
forward those replies to anyone who is interested.  Thank you in advance
for your advice.