N.J. Admin. Code § 15:3-3.12

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 17, September 3, 2024

Section 15:3-3.12 - Duplication of original records after microfilming

(a) Silver halide film is the only film considered suitable for producing microfilm of archival quality.

1. Silver halide film shall be used when producing copies of the original master negative intended for archival, permanent or long-term storage of public records.

2. Although silver halide microfilm is more expensive than other types of film used for duplicating microforms, it has the additional advantage that both negative and positive copies can be produced.

(b) Diazo film is not considered archival in quality and shall not be used to produce master-negative copies of originals.

1. A Diazo copy will maintain the same polarity as the original master (negative to negative or positive to positive).

2. Unexposed Diazo film has a very short shelf life unless refrigerated.

3. Diazo film is often used for duplicate copies of microfilm since it is less expensive than silver halide film and very durable.

(c) Vesicular film is not archival in quality and shall not be used to produce master copies of microfilmed records.

1. Vesicular film is a reversing process film. The polarity of the copy will be reversed to that of the original master (positive to negative or negative to positive) through exposure and processing by heat.

2. Vesicular film should be only used for short-term storage applications.

3. When not fully exposed, vesicular film may develop eligible, cosmetic blemishes.

4. Vesicular duplication film may also be considered suitable for distribution or working copies when archival quality is not a factor.

(d) The silver halide master copy of microfilmed records shall not be used for reference purposes. Agencies must ensure that the archival microform remains clean and undamaged during the process of making a duplicating master. Duplicate copies using silver halide, dry silver, diazo or vesicular film should be produced and used for:

1. Reference;

2. Further duplication on a recurring basis;

3. Large-scale duplication; and

4. Distribution of records in microform.

N.J. Admin. Code § 15:3-3.12