ISO/TR 12031:2000

.
TECHNICAL ISO/TR
REPORT 12031
First edition
2000-04-01
Micrographics — Inspection of silver-
gelatin microforms for evidence of
deterioration
Micrographie — Inspection des microformes en argent-gélatine pour mise
en évidence de détérioration
Reference number
©
ISO 2000
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ii © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword.v
Introduction.vi
1 Scope .1
2 References.1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Inspection conditions.2
5 Equipment and supplies .2
5.1 General.2
5.2 Light box and film rewinds for 16 mm and 35 mm film.2
5.3 Eye loupe (eye glass) .2
5.4 Microscope.2
5.5 Specular light source .2
5.6 Black velvet .2
5.7 Inspection gloves.2
6 Sampling method.3
6.1 General.3
6.2 Division into survey groups .3
7 Inspection procedures .3
7.1 General.3
7.2 Procedure for all microforms .3
7.3 Checks for all microforms .3
7.4 Additional checks for roll film .4
7.5 Additional checks for jackets.4
7.6 Additional checks for aperture cards .4
8 Inspection reporting .4
8.1 Classification.4
8.2 Data collection, general .5
8.3 History and description of group or collection .5
8.4 Individual microform inspection report.6
8.5 Data analysis (optional) .6
9 Types of defects.7
9.1 General.7
9.2 Microbiological growths .7
9.3 Redox blemishes .8
9.4 Residual processing chemicals .8
9.5 Emulsion adhesion .9
9.6 Separation of the emulsion from the film base.9
9.7 Brittleness.9
9.8 Base shrinkage .9
10 Remedial action .9
10.1 General.9
10.2 Subsequent re-inspections.10
Annex A Determination of base type .11
Annex B Factors affecting deterioration .12
B.1 General.12
B.2 Inappropriate choice of film material.12
B.3 Processing.12
B.3.1 Improper fixing.12
B.3.2 Improper washing .12
B.3.3 Insufficient drying.12
B.4 Improper climatic conditions during storage .12
Annex C Examples of types of defects.13
C.1 Microbiological growths.13
C.2 Redox blemishes .14
C.2.1 Exposed leader .15
C.2.2 Silver sheen.15
C.3 Separation of the emulsion from the film base.16
iv © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards adopted
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
In exceptional circumstances, when a technical committee has collected data of a different kind from that which is
normally published as an International Standard ("state of the art", for example), it may decide by a simple majority
vote of its participating members to publish a Technical Report. A Technical Report is entirely informative in nature
and does not have to be reviewed until the data it provides are considered to be no longer valid or useful.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this Technical Report may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/TR 12031 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 171, Document imaging applications, Subcommittee
SC 1, Quality.
Introduction
The purpose of this Technical Report is to provide a uniform method of selecting and inspecting silver-gelatin
microforms for evidence of deterioration. Improper processing, handling, and storage conditions have long been
known to promote biological attack and various other kinds of image degradation. Examination of some large
collections of microfilmed records within the last decade has revealed a number of instances of spot blemishes.
This may be influenced by the number of years and by the number of different processing conditions used. These
instances serve to focus attention on the fact that, although film may be processed and stored in the best available
conditions, the only assurance that such records are being well maintained is a systematic programme of careful
inspection. Silver-gelatin microforms which have been manufactured, exposed, developed, and stored according to
existing standards and which have a long life expectancy may not require extensive inspection.
vi © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

TECHNICAL REPORT ISO/TR 12031:2000(E)
Micrographics — Inspection of silver-gelatin microforms for
evidence of deterioration
1 Scope
This Technical Report applies to all forms of silver-gelatin microfilm, whether in roll, aperture card, jacket or
microfiche format. It describes the equipment and procedures necessary to identify and monitor deterioration. This
information serves to identify the extent and nature of the problem and will ultimately provide a sound basis for any
remedial action that may be required.
2 References
ISO 417:1993, Photography — Determination of residual thiosulfate and other related chemicals in processed
photographic materials — Methods using iodine-amylose, methylene blue and silver sulfide.
ISO 543:1990, Photography — Photographic
...