Ligue des Bibliothèques Europeénnes de Recherche, Groupe des Cartothécaires de LIBER
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Map microfiches in the French National Library: a new programme
Monique Pelletier, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Département des Cartes et Plans, Paris
© LIBER and author
Published from: Bulletin Ligue des Bibliothèques Europeénnes de Recherche, 37(1986)
Zusammenfassung
During the first meeting of the LIBER Map Curator Group held in Copenhagen in 1978, we tackled the problem of photographic reproduction of map holdings. I read then a paper where I tried to survey the main goals of a micro reproduction programme. I shall recapitulate them here.
Goals of a map micro reproduction programme:
- Security copies: Reproduction of the most precious items for security purpose is a duty of the map curator. It concerns rare or unique maps and complete holdings which are a part of the national heritage.
- Substitutes for communication: This should be used for the preceding items, which generally include large-sized and rare maps which are also difficult to handle. Reproduction by sections makes consultation of larger items easier. Reading of these substitutes should be made on a screen from positive films, preferably colour exposures. To improve user service, a reader printer, able to enlarge details of maps, should be used.
- Use of films by a photographic service: to carry out user orders: black and white enlargements, duplicates of positive colour film, slides.
- Decentralization of cartographic information: series of microfiche duplicates can be of interest to other map libraries, information services, or other concerned bodies (i.e., countries, regions, towns etc.). A programme, considered as open, should be completed by special orders after careful consideration; too frequent additions might prevent the eventual realization of the programme.
- Complements to catalogue entries: Additions of map reproductions, even reduced ones, are a complement to catalogue entries. It can be realized thanks to new techniques such as automation and videodisc.
In Copenhagen I was impressed by the prospects of single view microfiche (10,5 x 14,8 cm, standardized format A6). In France these could be produced by a camera operated by the reprographic service of the CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientific ). In 1980 they carried out tests here from items selected by the Map Division of the Bibliothèque Nationale. The results were satisfactory both for black and white and coloured microfiches. It remained for us to find the means for a project which combined systematic restoration with systematic reproduction. These were provided in the form of the Preservation Programme of the Bibliotheque Nationale.
The Map Division in the Preservation Programme of the Bibliothèque Nationale
A report on goals and means required to carry out the programme by which protection of the National Library holdings would be secured was prepared in May 1979. It included statistical process on Printed Book Division with an extension to other divisions. Precious items and large-sized maps in the Map Division were taken into account. The report underlined the difficulty of consulting large documents and the vulnerability of single-sheet items. Colour microfilm was not acceptable at this stage.
To improve microfilm durability the report required that three copies could be produced: original microfilm directly from photography; inter-negatives for duplicates; and negative or positive duplicate contact prints for readers use. To improve preservation conditions of single-leaf items the report stressed the necessity of keeping them in horizontal position, and recommended new folders, less thick than the former ones. This would consequently increase the number of available shelves. This advice was not completely followed. As an example, the D'Anville-Collection is leaving the fine, hut cramped old boxes, to be stored horizontally in ordinary folders.
To strengthen large items the report recommended mechanical lamination by a warm pressing-machine at 800 Celsius for twenty seconds, using polyamide net and polyamide glue as adhesive. This process was chosen because of its performing qualities. In fact, it is used only for modern maps if one of their dimensions does not exceed 77 cm. The dry process is only appropriate for maps in good condition; it cannot replace a real restoration.
The programme was shared between several workshops of the Bibliothèque Nationale, in Paris, Provins and Sablé. Sablé undertook systematic restoration and reproduction of old maps. In 1983 a comprehensive project was presented by the director of the Sablé Centre, Jean- Marie Arnoult. It included the acquisition of the CNRS camera for single-view microfiche, a device marketed by the French firm Varnier-Photélec. It was intended that the project would be supported by a small group of trained staff.
Working methods
In 1985 the camera was installed at Sablé, and the whole restoration-reproduction project became effective. The camera uses 10,5 cm film on 30 meter reels; its reduction ratio is from 5 to 10,6 and allows filming of materials which measures 100 x 140 cm. Readings, including elements for document identification, are integrated. Light is given by eight quartz-iode bulbs for colour shots. All the functions are controlled by microprocessor.
The basic camera may be used for microfilming materials on silver halogenide black and white film with traditional treatment of the film. For colour several additions have been made to the camera, in particular a filter under the lens, and in the heading apparatus, as the Bibliothèque Nationale opted for positive headings for its microfiche. The principal modification with regard to black and white film is in development, with the use of Cibachrome process; this offers one of the best guarantees of conservation available at present. First generation film is CMMF, second generation CMPF, both produced by Ilford. The developer is a Cibachrome TP 30 MF treatment machine which allows development of microfiche by the positive-positive process in about 10 minutes. Second generation copy is obtained by contact and filtering on a Extek 3105 duplicator which is also used for the duplication of black and white film.
Restoration is carried out according to traditional and time-consuming methods, used and improved since 1968 by the Paris Map Division Restoration Workshop. In certain cases the process begins with document stripping: supports, linen or paper, are taken off with a scalpel, or with water or glue. Then one of two processes is chosen:
- the document can be fixed to linen stretched over a wooden panel and covered with glue. To improve drying frames which can be separated from the working panel are now used.
- the document is restored without support and may later be reinforced by paper.
Two teams are now restoring maps: in Sablé two persons restore items for reproduction, in Paris four persons, working half-time, restore other documents.
After possible repair in the restoration workshop of the Sablé Centre each document is photographed twice, in black and white and in colour . Each original film is then duplicated twice, one for reader use, the other for commercial copies or for new copies for reader use. After inspection each microfiche is put in a non-acidic paper envelope and shelved in climate controlled stacks. Only copies for readers use are sent to the Département des Cartes et Plans in Paris. Fifty or sixty microfiche can be produced daily by the Sablé Centre, but the process does not keep pace with filming.
Choice of documents to be reproduced
Preference has been given to homogeneous holdings including valuable and rare items. The D'Anville-Collection was gathered during the 18th century by the famous geographer for information purposes. Many maps were extracted from atlases. Documents are classified geographically. Most are printed, but are in good condition. All the maps have to be flattened out and mounted on paper. The antiquarian ( 17th and 18th century) maps gathered or produced by the Service Hydrographique de la Marine are also geographically classified. Dimensions are not homogeneous. There are many large-sized documents. Repair may therefore be important. There are many manuscript and coloured maps.
Microfiche presentation
These two holdings have their own inventory , with short descriptions, but without indexes. Microfiche production was preceded by more elaborate cataloguing, which is used for the publication of a microfiche catalogue and for headings.
Microfiche headings are divided into three parts, from left to right:
- Call number of the document reproduced.
- Bibliographic description including: Author, Title, Publication place, -date, Number of reproduced leaves: name of the support other than paper (e.g. vellum), indication that the item is not printed (ms.), colour used (en coul.); size of the original item.
- Microfiche date, Name of the producing body (B. N., Paris), Microfiche number.
At the bottom or in the left margin, graphic scale and reduction ratio are given. In most cases, reduction ratio varies from 5 to 8,5. 10,6 is used for large documents (90 x 125 cm). Beyond this size, documents are photographed by sections which are then sketched and lettered on the microfiche.
Microfiche reading
In the Map Division microfiches can be read on an Photogay IMS 105 reader-printer intended for single view fiche 10,5 x 14,8 cm and 7,5 x 12,5 cm as for aperture cards. The screen measures 43 x 61 cm; it corresponds to A2 format (42 x 59,4 cm). Three lenses are mounted on the reader: 4x, 8x and 14x. The 4x and 8x lenses allow the user to see the entire single view microfiche. The 14x lens is used for detail enlargement, especially when the reduction ratio is high. Reading on screen is made from positive colour microfiches, and paper prints from negative black and white microfiches.
This paper of our own new programme fits in with the wish expressed by members of our working group, which is to be informed of recent developments in a field where technical and financial means are limited. Such a programme is intended for international developments. Our American colleagues wanted to be informed, and a paper will be published in vol. 15 of Microform Review. Microforms are less popular in Europe than beyond the Atlantic. It is our duty to estimate their value, and if convinced, to promote their use, which is well adapted to international exchange.
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