Microfiche as a Vehicle for Technical Reports

• NCJ Number: 81351
• Author(s): G W Reinhart
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 39 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: National Technical Information Service
• Sale Source: National Technical Information Service
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Findings are presented from a study that examined the advantages and disadvantages of the use of microfiche compared to paper copy for the producers, distributors, and users of clearinghouse materials, and technical and programmatic changes that might improve the likelihood of an expansion of microfiche use are considered.

Abstract

Much of the report is derived from a searching of literature for information on user acceptance of microfiche as a paper copy alternative. Microfiche offers significant advantages for the producer and distributor as an information transfer medium because of major economies in reproduction and mailing. These advantages are much less important to the user of the information, however, although reduced prices and faster delivery may be important considerations in some cases. For the user, reading microtext requires a viewer, which may not be conveniently available at the times and places where the work is done. Viewers also involve a capital cost and require maintenance. Other disadvantages for users include the impossibility of making copies of selected pages and microfiche's inability to fit conveniently into office shelving systems. Microfiche technical reports are typically produced by photographing an existing paper copy of the document. Tables of contents and indexes meant for paperbound books are difficult to use in microfiche versions. Photographs and color do not reproduce well if at all. Charts, tables, graphs, and other such material are frequently filmed sideways and are difficult to read. Several steps can be taken to make microfiche more attractive to the user. Standards can be set that will reduce problems with indexing, sideways pages, and having to refer to remote frames. Where photographs are important to the presentation, they can be produced as 'negative originals' for filming, which will result in a positive image on the microfiche. Distribution and pricing strategies (focusing mostly on libraries) can also make microfiche a more attractive alternative to paper. Limited footnotes are provided.