The third step in our work is to preserve Illinois newspapers we find throughout the state. During our inventorying and cataloging work, we also make note of Illinois newspapers that have not been preserved on microfilm.

Since we can't film everything, we use a formula based on the following criteria to select newspapers for preservation microfilming: What is the scope of coverage? How rare is the material? Is there a significant run or only a few scattered issues? How complete is the run? Has it been microfilmed previously? Will these issues supplement previously filmed holdings? What is the condition of the original newsprint? What is the research value of the newspaper?

After we select a newspaper for preservation microfilming, the INP seeks permission from the holding institution to borrow their copy. We pick up the material and bring it back to UIUC for processing. Before shipping to our microfilm vendor, we perform a page-by-page collation, if the condition of the newsprint permits. This allows us to note irregularities, makes repairs before filming, and create "targets" with identifying information that will be filmed with the original newsprint. Finally, we will make the necessary additions or corrections to our database to reflect any new information we've gleaned.

The INP is currently using four different vendors for preservation microfilming. These vendors adhere to USNP standards for preservation microfilming. They may conduct additional preparation and repair work before microfilming the newspapers. Before sending the newspapers and the microfilm to us, the vendor inspects the microfilm to ensure quality control. After the newsprint and microfilm are returned to us, we inspect all three generations of microfilm a second time to ensure quality control.

We closely adhere to the preservation microfilming guidelines that are mandated by the USNP and the Library of Congress. (More sources we consult.) These preservation microfilming guidelines include using a three-generation system. The first generation film, or master negative, is the archival copy used to produce a print-master negative for the generation of service copies. We send our master negatives to Iron Mountain National Underground Storage in Pennsylvania. The second generation of film, or print-master negative, is used to generate use copies for institutions. The printer-master negatives will generally be stored with the vendor. The third generation film, or service copy, is the film used by patrons. A service copy of all the microfilm created by the INP will be available through interlibrary loan at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library. Patrons and institutions also have the opportunity to purchase service copies of the microfilm. Please contact Cherie' Weible at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library. Cherie' can reached at irrc-128@uiuc.edu or 217.244.9907.

To find out more about preserving newspapers, please see "Preserving Newspapers", an article written by the Preservation Directorate at the Library of Congress. It includes information about the types of paper used for newspapers over the years and different types of preservation practices like microfilming, digitization, and storage. For additional information about preservation microfilming, please see NEDCC's "Microfilm and Microfiche" Preservation Leaflet.