Overview
ISO/TR 12036:2000 - "Micrographics - Expungement, deletion, correction or amendment of records on microforms" - is a Technical Report that provides guidelines for removing, destroying or revising images on microforms when a legal or administrative order (for example an expungement) requires deletion, correction or amendment. The report focuses on preserving file integrity, documenting actions, and using reliable micrographic techniques so altered microforms remain accurate and legally defensible.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and intent: Procedures apply to image removal, destruction, deletion, correction and amendment across microfilm, microfiche and related microforms.
- File integrity and documentation: Always retain the authorizing order (when appropriate) and insert a completed expungement notice (Annex A) into the microform near the altered images. If the order would reveal the deleted information, do not microfilm the order - reference it in the notice instead.
- Master-microform changes: Alterations should be made to the master microform; replacement copies must be generated from the altered master and original images destroyed.
- Unacceptable methods: Avoid unreliable removal techniques such as punching holes, opaque blocking inks, or chemical bleaching (e.g., potassium dichromate) because these can damage film, leave traces, or create health/environmental risks.
- Film-specific procedures:
- Silver-gelatin 16 mm and 35 mm roll film: Remove and destroy affected sections; splice in notice and (where appropriate) the order. For blipped/coded film, replacement must preserve blip/code counts and coding method.
- Splicing: Use thermal butt weld or sonic splice for polyester bases; thermal butt weld for acetate. Tape splices are not recommended for long-term storage.
- Microfiche: For silver negative microfiche, image emulsion may be removed by careful abrasion using a rounded, polished tool under at least 6:1 magnification; moisten area with distilled water and avoid damaging the film base.
- Other film types covered include microfilm jackets, computer-output film, photoplastic film, transparent electrophotography (TEP), diazo/vesicular and other records - with tailored procedures described in the report.
- Indexes and duplicates: Procedures address updating indexes and replacing duplicates to reflect expungements and preserve retrieval integrity.
Applications and who uses it
- Records managers, court administrators, archivists, municipal clerks, legal librarians, and micrographics service providers
- Use cases: complying with court-ordered expungements, updating archival microform holdings, correcting or amending legally sensitive records, and preparing defensible audit trails for altered microforms
Related standards
- ISO 6196-1:1993 (Micrographics - Vocabulary) is referenced for terminology. Other micrographics preservation standards and local legal requirements should be consulted when implementing expungement procedures.