52 THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

magazine system, because it was more compact, more easily controlled
(an extensive check-out system is not needed and the file order is fixed),
the rolls can be economically duplicated and misfiles are obvious, and
it could be indexed for manual or machine search, making reference
to such a numerically arranged roll file as rapid as reference to other
microforms.

The Clerk felt that the microfilm system should prove acceptable
to the records users before his photostatic system of recording was
abandoned, and he proposed a parallel run. The volume records were
to be restricted unless a positive demand for them was made. The
parallel run was to be for one year, and would require no additional
personnel.

It was decided that the Comptroller's authorization for the expend-
iture of funds to implement the proposed system could be obtained on
the basis of the comparative costs of recording, and that it would not
be necessary to place a price on space or personnel. The Assistant
Records Administrator, therefore, wrote to the Comptroller outlining
the advantages of the system and recommending that the expenditure
be allowed. The established cost of photostatic paper, chemicals, binders,
and roller-shelving required to continue the photostatic system was
compared to the estimated cost of film and the rental of microfilm
equipment for 1966. The photostatic system would cost $23,786, and
the microfilm system, $6,757. By projecting this saving through 1970
and allowing for an increase of 25 books each year, it appeared that
$100,000 could be saved by recording only on microfilm. The Comp-
troller approved our recommendation and authorized the expenditure
on November 3, 1965.

The microfilm equipment was delivered and tested, and the parallel
run began as planned. Although several minor changes have been made,
the system operates essentially as designed. The change from photostatic
to microfilm recording for the land records in Prince George's County
has been well received, although not without some tense moments. A
representative of the photographic paper vendor caused consternation
among the Clerk's office staff by solemnly declaring that "the image
would catch the measles and fade out." The uproar was quieted when
it was pointed out that no deterioration has been found in silver
positive film and that the 35mm film still made to satisfy legal require-
ments was designed for book print-out, if necessary. Despite such