Producing microform printing masters

We are currently having a major problem with microfiche produced for
preservation purposes. In many instances we are losing so much
resolution when we try to generate printing masters (2nd generation
silver copying masters/duping masters--whatever you want to call them)
that they are useless for generating further copies (which is, of
course, the reason we want them).

This leaves us in the position of having to use our 1st generation
preservation masters for generating service copies--an unacceptable
practice. We have already lost (i.e. corner torn off in duplicator) one
master fiche, which is about what we deserve, I suppose. Luckily we can
still refilm, but it is definitely not a satisfactory outcome.

All the bureaux we talk to in eastern Australia tell us it is a common
problem they can't solve.

We have considered refilming to produce another set of masters (which is
expensive) and we will eventually digitize for user access. In the
meantime we are under pressure to duplicate from our preservation
masters.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Any suggestions would be
appreciated.

Colin Webb, Manager
Technical Preservation
Preservation Services
preserve [at] nla__gov__au
National Library of Australia
+61 6 262 1278
Fax: +61 6 257 1703

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 8:10
                  Distributed: Tuesday, July 26, 1994
                        Message Id: cdl-8-10-005
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