ISO 11906-1999 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 11906:1999 — Micrographics — Microfilming of serials — Operating procedures. Specifies recommended operating procedures for the microfilming of serial publications (periodicals and other continuing resources) to achieve consistent image quality, reliable identification and long-term archival stability of microfilm created from serials.

Abstract

This international standard provides practical guidance and procedural requirements for capturing serials on microfilm: selection and preparation of material, camera and exposure control, framing and sequencing of serial issues, identification and leader information, duplication and basic quality-control checks to ensure that microfilms are suitable for preservation and use. It is a concise, operational document intended for staff carrying out or supervising microfilming projects.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (ISO record shows the 1999 edition has been withdrawn).
• Publication date: August 1999 (Edition 1, 1999-08).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.080 (Document imaging applications) / 01.140.20 (Information sciences).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1999).
• Number of pages: 10 pages (ISO bibliographic record).

Details above are taken from the ISO bibliographic record and national adoptions.

Scope

ISO 11906:1999 applies to the operational procedures for microfilming serials (periodical publications and other continuing resources). It addresses practical steps from preparing issues for filming through capture, labelling and basic quality checks, and is intended to standardize working methods so that microfilm produced by different organisations is consistent and suitable for preservation and access. The standard is focused on operational practice rather than on detailed technical measurement methods.

Key topics and requirements

• Preparation and sequencing of serial issues for filming (order, completeness checks).
• Camera setup and exposure control appropriate to film type and content.
• Frame composition and margins to ensure readable images of articles, headings and pages.
• Identification, leader and trailer information conventions for serial reels and frames.
• Duplication, basic density/contrast checks and simple quality-control procedures.
• Handling, storage and basic archival considerations for microfilm created from serials.
• Guidance intended for operational staff rather than instrument calibration or metrology methods.

Typical use and users

Primary users are libraries, archives, national library imaging departments, commercial microfilming service providers and conservation/micrographics units responsible for preserving serial publications. The standard is used as an operational checklist and reference for microfilming workflows and staff training. Institutional digitization teams may consult it when microfilming is part of hybrid preservation workflows.

Related standards

ISO 11906 sits within a family of micrographics and photographic standards. Related publications include other ISO micrographics specifications (for example: standards covering microfilm spools and reels and standards on photographic materials and processing). National adoptions (e.g., SS‑ISO 11906) and related archival imaging standards may be consulted in parallel. Users should check current ISO and national standards lists for the most up-to-date cross-references.

Keywords

micrographics, microfilming, serials, periodicals, operating procedures, archival microfilm, quality control, indexing, film spools, preservation imaging

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 11906:1999 is an international standard titled "Micrographics — Microfilming of serials — Operating procedures" that provides recommended operational procedures for microfilming serial publications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers practical operating procedures for preparing and filming serial issues, basic camera and exposure guidance, frame composition, reel identification conventions, duplication and simple quality checks intended to produce usable archival microfilm.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Libraries, archives, microfilm service providers, conservation departments and imaging units involved in creating or overseeing microfilm of serial publications. It is a practical reference for staff performing microfilming projects.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The ISO bibliographic record indicates ISO 11906:1999 has been withdrawn; users should consult ISO and their national standards bodies for any replacement standards or more recent guidance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 11906 is part of the broader area of micrographics standards (a family of ISO and national standards addressing microfilm formats, spools, photographic processing and archival practices) but it is a standalone document focused on serials microfilming operations. Check related ISO micrographics titles for complementary specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Micrographics; microfilming; serials; periodicals; preservation; operating procedures; quality control; microfilm identification; archival storage.