Evaluation of Microform Holdings at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

I worked with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas' Records Management Department to evaluate the current condition of its microforms, and give recommendations for the long-term physical preservation or potential digitization of its holdings. The agency is preparing to move into a new office and is using this as a catalyst to evaluate the physical state of its microforms and storage practices, and also gain intellectual control over its microform holdings. My goal working with the agency was to research best practices for the storage and handling of microforms, explore options for digitization as well as best practices for moving its holdings, give recommendations for microform storage at the new office location, as well as give recommendations for gaining intellectual control over holdings and how to handle the disposition of microforms that have met their retention. This project culminated in a report with recommendations for long-term preservation of the agency’s microform holdings, a risk analysis of potential options for the microforms, including digitization and moving the holdings to the new office, and a presentation to executive leadership with the recommendations.