Overview
ISO 9878:1990 - Micrographics: Graphical Symbols for Use in Microfilming provides a set of standardized graphical symbols specifically designed for micrographics applications. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard ensures consistent and clear communication of information when working with microfilmed documents and microforms. The graphical symbols described are intended to be optically perceptible figures that convey messages regarding document status, microform types, and various conditions encountered during the microfilming process.
The adoption of ISO 9878 enhances workflow efficiency and eliminates ambiguity, facilitating the use of micrographic technology across international boundaries and organizations.
Key Topics
- Standardized Symbols: Defines a series of graphical symbols for various situations, such as damaged documents, color originals, missing pages, document boundaries, incorrect numbering, and more.
- Application in Microfilming: Symbols are intended for use at key stages such as the start or end of a roll, when indicating documents not to be filmed, or signaling repeated images or errors.
- Language Independence: The use of symbols eliminates language barriers, allowing safe and consistent document handling worldwide.
- Reference to Related Standards: The symbols referenced align with numbering in ISO 7000 and principles in ISO 3461, promoting harmonized usage.
- Clear Communication: Graphical symbols enhance efficiency by providing clear indicators for document handling during digitization, preservation, and retrieval processes.
Applications
ISO 9878 graphical symbols are essential in multiple real-world scenarios within document management and microfilming arenas:
- Archival Projects: Libraries and archives adopting microfilming for long-term document preservation use these symbols to denote the status of originals, actions needed, or any anomalies encountered.
- Document Management Systems: Organizations implementing microfilming technology for legal, administrative, or historical records integrate these graphical symbols to streamline workflows and reduce operational errors.
- International Collaboration: Standardized symbols make it easier for multinational teams to work together on large micrographics projects, ensuring clarity regardless of users' native languages.
- Quality Control: During the microfilming process, these symbols are used directly on aperture cards, microfilms, or documentation to boost traceability and process transparency.
- Training and Instructional Materials: Consistent symbol usage simplifies training programs for new staff, allowing rapid understanding of microfilming status and processes without requiring local language proficiency.
Related Standards
ISO 9878 works in harmony with a family of international standards to support clarity and efficiency in micrographics:
- ISO 7000: Graphical Symbols for Use on Equipment – Provides an index and synopsis for standard symbols across multiple industries.
- ISO 3461: General Principles for the Creation of Graphical Symbols – Outlines uniform presentation and creation of symbols for equipment and technical product documentation.
- Other Micrographics Standards (e.g., ISO/TC 171 guidance): Complementary standards for microform creation, storage, and document quality control.
By following ISO 9878:1990, organizations can ensure international best practices in microfilming, mitigate risks due to miscommunication, and improve overall efficiency in micrographic document workflows.