Box 27Language for describing physical characteristics

• If a newspaper is found on microfiche or microcards, follow the column number with information on the location of the article within the fiche or cards. For example, if the year or issue consists of 15 microfiche and the particular article being cited is on the third fiche, cite it as "microfiche 3 of 15 microfiche." Enter a colon and a space, then enter information on the physical characteristics, such as color and size. Separate types of information by commas.
  Typical words used include:

  • color
  • black & white

  • positive
  • negative

  • 4 x 6 in. (standard microfiche size)
  • 3 x 5 in. (standard microcard size)
  Examples of complete physical description statements:

  • microfiche 1 of 3 microfiche: color, positive, 4 x 6 in.
  • microcard 4 of 5 microcards: black & white, 3 x 5 in.
• If a newspaper is published on microfilm, follow the pagination with information on the film and its physical characteristics, such as color and size. Because microfilm reels carry a large volume of text, one or more years is usually contained within one reel.
  Typical words used include:

  • color
  • black & white

  • positive
  • negative

  • 35 mm.
  • 16 mm.
  Examples of complete physical description statements:

  • 1 reel: color, positive, 35 mm.
  • 1 reel: black & white, negative, 16 mm.