Dear Colleagues,

Peter K has done an excellent job in defining COM.

What about the term Microfiche?

Google defines Microfiche as follows:

Microfiche: Rectangle of plastic film containing information in very small
type that is read when enlarged by a machine called a "microfilm
reader/printer." Located on the 2nd floor of I.D. Weeks Library.

Not particularly helpful.

My own website in the Glossary of microfilm terms @
http://www.microfilm.net.au/?glossary states the following:
Microfiche -- a sheet of microfilm usually 105 X 148 mm = (4.13 x 5.83
inches) in size containing multiple images in an X Y grid pattern. Camera
produced microfiche formats are usually 98 for 24 X reduction ratio = 7 rows
X 14 columns and for Computer Output Microfiche (COM) 270 for 48 X reduction
ratio = 15 rows X 18 columns or sometimes at higher reduction ratios per
microfiche or commonly known as fiche. Additional information on microfiche
is available from the Microfilm Shop @ The Microfilm Shop
<http://www.microfilm.com/film.htm>
Sound familiar to the terms provided by Peter in his posting: from a Google
search Definitions of fiche on the Web:
Out in the real world where people are not necessarily microfilm savvy (and
there are not too many of us old codgers left)the term COM, Microfilm,
Microfiche, Jackets, Aperture Cards, Roll Film and Cartridges mean the same
thing.
What about Diazo Duplicates?
This is where there is a possibility that COM & Microfiche may mean
different things. COM is Microfiche but Diazo Duplicates of 105 x 148 mm or
4 x 6 inch cut sheets are also referred to as microfiche and especially when
they are Diazo Duplicates of Microfilm Jackets.

It is my interpretation of the original post from Peg Schram RIM:
Can COM and fiche be kept in the same vault at the same time, temp and
humidity?
That this query may have indicated the mixing of original Computer Output
Microfilm termed COM and Diazo Duplicates of the same format termed -
Microfiche.

If this is in fact the actual situation the answere is an unequiviacal NO,
NO, NO.

One must never mix original Silver Halide filem and Diazo processed
Duplicate Film in whatever format in the same environment.

The two are incompatable and the silver halide original will be affected
over tiem b

The two are incompatable and the silver halide original will be affected
over time by the  diazo salts and gaseous output from the Diazo Film.

I ttrust that this inforamtion is of assistance.

If in doubt go to the Preservation Specialists on the web and you will find
more definiteve answers to this quirey.

Regards, Laurie

Mr Daniel Lawrance [Laurie] Varendorff, ARMA
Member of the Western Australian Government - State Records Commission (SRC)
- Digital Records Working Group (DRWG).
Specialist Technical Writer on Records and Information Management (RIM) and
related subjects, available for hire.
Published Articles available @ http://www.microfilm.net.au/articles.shtml
A Records Management Professional, and proud of the fact!
Consultant/Trainer/Tutor/Presenter: Records and Information Management
Imaging and Micrographic Specialist: 31 years experience

Representing: Digital Microfilm Equipment - DME

You may care to visit our web site @  Digital Microfilm Equipment (DME)
<http://www.microfilm.net.au/>  - For all things Micrographic
Alternatively email us @  [log in to unmask]
Our URL is  www.microfilm.net.au <http://www.microfilm.net.au/>

The Varendorff Consultancy ABN: 77 836 801 165
PO Box 6497 East Perth, Western Australia 6892 - AUSTRALIA
PHONE: +61 [0]8 9291 6925 - MOBILE: +61 [0]417 094 147
EMAIL:            [log in to unmask]

List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance