Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 3, March 22, 2024
The following General Standards and Practices will apply to the microfilming of all public records or confidential/restricted records created in the conduct of carrying out the responsibilities of a state or local government agency, department or institution.
A. Legibility of Microfilm Copy
The legibility of the microfilm copy shall include all the detail of the record copies. Microfilm copies shall be of proper exposure and of sufficient quality to be read on a reader screen and reproduced as a legible paper copy, according to the intended use. Intended use will determine the resolution pattern to be met as explained in section 12-202C below.
B. Identification of Records Filmed
Each microfilm roll or other microform shall be adequately identified on the actual film or unit record and on the container used to store or file the microcopy. Identification of each roll or microform shall include an eye-readable roll or unit number and the reduction ratios used for each roll or unit. (See Appendix 1.) The title of the series, file or book(s) on the roll or unit, the inclusive dates of the records filmed, and the case or file numbers should be included on the camera original film. If this cannot be done for technical reasons, the information must be included on the certificate of authenticity to be filmed at the end of the roll or unit. (See Appendix B for an example of the certificate.)
C. Microfilm Records Retrieval
Indexes or other acceptable retrieval systems are required for archival and long-term value microfilmed records. No security microfilm shall be acceptable without a workable retrieval system or index. Indexes to microfilmed records may be automated or manual, but all microfilmed records must be readily accessible from a microfilm or paper copy finding aid, regardless of the type retrieval system used.
D. Text Charts for Microfilm Quality Control
Each exposed microfilm roll or microform shall include resolution charts to test for the legibility of the filmed records. (See Appendix 2.) Photostatic or electrostatic copies of resolution charts cannot be substituted for approved printed test charts from the National Bureau of Standards or other acceptable suppliers. Approved resolution charts and density test patches of known reflectance value shall be used from roll to roll or film unit at the beginning, end, and preferably, the middle of each roll or unit.
E. Certification and Authentication of Records Filmed
1. A "Declaration of Intent and Purpose" or its equivalent will be prepared and signed by the official custodian of the records or the designated records officer of the filming state agency or political subdivision (local government) office and filmed at the beginning of each roll or microfilm unit. Any substitute proposed for the Declaration shall be approved in advance by the Department. (See Appendix A for the approved form.)
2. A "Certificate of Authenticity" will be prepared and signed by the camera operator and filmed at the end of each roll or subdivision of a filmed series or microfilm unit. Any substitute for this certificate shall be approved by the Department. (See Appendix B for the approved certificate.)
3. Any splice between the filmed records sequence will be accounted for and certified by the camera operator to be part of the original filmed record or file series.
F. Visual Inspection of Microfilm Copies
1. All microfilm rolls or other microforms shall be inspected to determine the legibility of the film, the correctness of order of filming, and all possible defects or errors in the film. The inspection results shall be reported on the form provided. (See Appendix C-1 and C-2.)
2. To prevent scratches and other damage to the film, the camera silver emulsion original or alternative security copy of the microfilm shall not be placed on a microfilm reader to inspect the film. If the camera original or the alternative security copy has to be checked on a microfilm reader and the film emulsion and/or base is scratched or damaged sufficiently to require replacement, a direct duplicate which meets the approved Standards must be substituted as the security copy. If there is any loss of the image text or document as a result of damage or scratching of the film, the source document or documents must be refilmed to meet the required standards. An exception to this is the camera original of records of short-term value for which no security or back up film copy is needed.
G. Microfilming Equipment
1. Microfilming equipment, including cameras and processing, duplicating, and testing equipment, used to produce microfilm images for state or local government agencies must be demonstrably capable of meeting these microfilm standards.
2. Acquisition of new microfilm equipment subject to the provisions of the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code (1976 Code, 1984 Cumulative Supplement, Sections 11-35-20 to 11-35-1240 and Rules and Regulations, 19.445.2000 to 19.445.2130 or as amended) must be approved by the Information Technology Planning and Management Office of the Division of Research and Statistical Services of the State Budget and Control Board, and be reviewed by the Department before purchase is made. When local governments have adopted ordinances to use the State Procurement Code or its equivalent, the requirements which apply to information technology equipment purchases must be followed.
3. All contracts for microfilming equipment agreed to by state or local government agencies should specify that the equipment can be returned to the vendor for full credit at the agreed upon purchase price if it does not meet the standards required for the application. Whether the equipment meets such standards must be determined within 30 days after the testing operation begins, following delivery and installation. State and local government agencies should submit test strips for evaluation to the Department's Microfilm Services division before the 30 day period ends to determine whether to accept the new equipment. Any modifications to new microfilming equipment before final acceptance to enable such equipment to meet required standards must be made at no cost to the purchaser and with no alteration of service contracts or manufacturer's warranties.
