More About Microfiche
ERIC provides the following background information and microfiche disposal guidelines to inform librarians who are interested in ERIC microfiche or ERIC microfiche collection maintenance. Included are microfiche collection statistics, a complete listing of Level 3 "indexed-only" documents, and guidelines on microfiche disposal. None of this information is needed for the actual task of weeding the collection. Weeding lists are included in the section Weeding Your Microfiche Collection
ERIC Microfiche Statistics
This table provides data on the number of titles indexed and number of microfiche produced, with the associated range of ERIC Document (accession) numbers, for each year in which ERIC produced the microfiche collection (1966-2004).
Level 3 Documents
From 1966 to 2004, most non-journal materials (ED-prefixed accession numbers) indexed in ERIC were available in full text via a microfiche collection. However, about 10% of the materials were restricted to the indexed record only. These were known as "Level 3" documents. In 1989, ERIC began providing 'placeholder' microfiche to prevent the misperception of missing documents. ERIC is providing an historical list of all Level 3 materials for reference. Libraries wishing to weed placeholders from their collections should use the list provided in Weeding Your Microfiche Collection.
Microfiche Disposal
ERIC produced microfiche in various media – primarily silver or diazo film, but also vesicular for a brief period. Here are some general guidelines on how to determine what type of film is in your collection:
- Diazo Film – has either a blue or black image copied from the original film. Diazo film is generally not recyclable. Most ERIC microfiche were produced on diazo film.
- Vesicular Film – has a white image on a blue background copied from the original film. Vesicular film is generally not recyclable. Some early ERIC microfiche were produced on vesicular film.
- Silver Film – ERIC produced 3rd generation silver duplicates; each fiche card was provided in a protective envelope. Silver film is generally recyclable, possibly by firms processing spent x-ray film.
Check with local authorities or waste management firms for guidance on acceptable disposal of diazo and vesicular films in your area.
