Micro/Digital Publishing Discussion Group

Meeting Report, January 19, 2002

Midwinter Meeting at New Orleans

Austin McLean, Director of Publishing at ProQuest Information and Learning, presented a basic overview of the electron beam scan-to-film technology that ProQuest is using. Austin also handed out samples of images of dissertation material produced using both traditional microform duplication methods and the e-beam technology. Steve Chapman asked a number of questions that made it clear there was a need for more detailed technical information regarding the e-beam system, including the computer hardware/software being used at the input (scanning) end. While grateful for the samples, the moderator noted that ProQuest had been asked to demonstrate the quality of images re-digitized from e-beam-generated microforms. It is hoped that more detailed information and a demonstration of re-digitized images will be made available as part of a program on preservation reformatting technologies currently being planned for 2003 Annual in Toronto. Everyone was pleased to hear that Bob Mottice will be a participant in that program. There was also a brief open discussion on the status of commercially-owned collections of microform camera master film. Todd Bludeau, President of the North American branch of IDC Publishers, Inc., reported that masters owned by the parent company were being stored in a high quality underground vault which is, interestingly, "below the canal water line" in the Netherlands.

The library preservation community needs to find out more about how collections are being stored, if they are being periodically inspected for evidence of deterioration, and what contingency plans micro/digital publishers have for their collections in the event of bankruptcy or disaster. These concerns would understandably need to be addressed in the context of what companies deem to be be financially viable. A good place to start would be to get more micro/digital publishers to come to the discussion groups and attend the Summer 2000 program.

- Walter Cybulski Moderator, PARS Micro/Digital Publishing Discussion Group.