Reproductions

Reproductions such as microforms (e.g. microfilm and microfiche), digital reproductions, and photocopies are often created as surrogates for original documents. Surrogates are frequently used to lessen potential damage to original documents, reduce the amount of space required for storing the originals, increase accessibility to the contents, and to preserve the content and appearance of materials that may not last into perpetuity. Although libraries and archives are increasingly creating digital representations of their holdings, many are hesitant to use these digital files as a means of preservation because of the accessibility and stability issues associated with digital formats.

Reproductions can also take the form of transcriptions created for inclusion in new publications. Publications of original materials save time and expense by bringing together primary sources, often scattered in various repositories. For the researcher, evaluating printed editions should include some understanding of the editorial criteria used in selecting and transcribing the originals.

With any type of reproduction, the researcher should always consider how the reproduced version differs from the original source.

Clockwise, starting at front right: 35mm microfilm: League of Women Voters of Maryland scrapbooks, 1917-1929. Book: Atlas of Anne-Arundel County, Maryland. Glen Burnie, MD: Historical & Genealogical Research Center, Kuethe Library, 1994. Microfiche: Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) membership applications, 1971-1972. Book: Edgar Allan Poe, Edgar Allen Poe, Letters Till Now Unpublished, in the Valentine Museum, Richmond, Virginia; Introductory Essay and Commentary by Mary Newton Stanard, with Fac-similes of all Letters and 15 Illustrations. Philadelphia and London: J. B. Lippincott, 1925. 16mm microfilm: Cigar Makers' International Union Local and Analysis Ledgers, 1927-1949.

Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.