Processing & Duplication

Introduction
Every microfilming operation must have access to a good micrographics laboratory. We at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History are proud to offer a cost reimbursement program that will give you access to a laboratory that specializes in processing, duplicating, and preserving high quality images recorded on photographic film.

The Public Records Act (Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, Section 30-1-80) gives the Department responsibility for establishing quality standards for microfilming and microfilm records. Our Micrographics Laboratory Services unit (Micrographics Lab) will process all archival, long-term, and short-term microfilm according to these standards. The Micrographics Lab processes original microfilm, duplicates and quality tests microfilm, and performs the methylene blue test and related services.

Processing with quality testing
The Micrographics Lab processes archival quality 16mm and 35mm original silver halide roll microfilm the day it is received. Once it has processed the film, it quality tests it for density and resolution and inspects it visually. If the Micrographics Lab staff detects any defects during this inspection, they will call your representative. In most cases, our quality control technicians can tell your representative how to correct the problem.

Our procedures ensure the production of consistently high-quality microfilm. Each day, among other things, we:

• run control strips, 
• calibrate the densitometer, 
• and perform methylene blue tests to determine levels of residual thiosulfate.

Quality testing only
If you process your microfilm but do not have a testing facility, the Micrographics Lab can quality test your film and perform methylene blue tests. For more information on quality testing, see Leaflet #6 Quality Testing of Microfilm 

Duplicating, processing, and quality testing
The Micrographics Lab can duplicate your original microfilm into 16mm or 35mm silver gelatin negative and positive copies, or into diazo copies in 100-foot or 215-foot lengths. It quality tests, duplicates, spools them for use on a reader and returns them in acid-free storage boxes, unless their use dictates otherwise.