Overview
ISO 4087:2005 - Micrographics: Microfilming of newspapers for archival purposes on 35 mm microfilm defines general principles and technical requirements for creating archival-quality microfilm of printed newspapers. It applies to unperforated silver-gelatin microfilm 35 mm wide (camera negatives, intermediate and distribution copies) and sets rules to ensure bibliographic control, image legibility and conformance with related archival microfilming standards.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and rawstock: Only black-and-white silver microfilm on polyester base compliant with ISO 6148 and ISO 18906 is specified for preservation use.
- Targets and bibliographic control: Mandatory targets (lettering, dates, test charts, graphic symbols) are required to record bibliographic and technical metadata and to verify film quality.
- Reduction ratios & image placement:
- Reduction ratios follow ISO 6199; the normal range for newspapers is about 1:14 to 1:24.
- Four recommended image positions (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) for single- and double-page exposures; orientation rules (text parallel or perpendicular to film axis) support correct reading progression.
- Image layout limits include a maximum image dimension a (not to exceed 31.75 mm) and minimum margin/spacing c of at least 2 mm.
- Sectional filming: Large inserts or foldouts may be filmed in sections with at least 25 mm overlap; change-of-scale targets must be filmed when reduction ratio changes.
- Leader, trailer and archival test area: Rolls must include unexposed leader and trailer; when archival tests are required, at least 300 mm of clear microfilm must be left at both ends.
- Filming conditions: Minimize show‑through, ensure even illumination (use adjustable book carriers for bound volumes), and follow equipment manufacturers’ guidance.
- Arrangement & chronology: Film in chronological order; avoid splitting a single copy across rolls. Typical roll divisions: half-month, multi-month, or yearly periods.
- Quality control & processing: Includes requirements for camera negatives, intermediate and distribution copies, plus procedures for refilming, splices and correction.
Applications and users
ISO 4087:2005 is used by:
- Archives, libraries and national/state documentation services preserving newspaper collections
- Microfilming vendors and reprographic service providers producing archival and distribution microfilm
- Records managers and librarians defining digitization/microfilming specifications
- Micrographics equipment manufacturers and quality control personnel
Practical uses include creating preservation masters, producing distribution copies for interlibrary loan, and standardizing microfilming procedures for long-term access and bibliographic indexing.
Related standards
Relevant referenced standards include: ISO 6199, ISO 6148, ISO 18906, ISO 6200, ISO 8601, ISO 446, ISO 3334, ISO 10550, and ISO vocabularies for micrographics (ISO 6196 parts 1–6). These provide complementary specifications for film dimensions, targets, resolution, stability and metadata formats.
Keywords: ISO 4087:2005, microfilming, newspapers, archival microfilm, 35 mm microfilm, silver microfilm, reduction ratios, image placement, archival targets, micrographics.