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From: "John and Sharon Clouse" <>
Subject: Re: [TGF] NARA Microfilm Numbers
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:18:37 -0400
References: <111846.9807.qm@web59911.mail.ac4.yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To: <111846.9807.qm@web59911.mail.ac4.yahoo.com>


Connie Sheets asked:

"That prompted me to wonder what the system for numbering NARA
microfilm is? Does the leading alpha character tell me anything
about the contents of the microfilm? Does knowing the film is a
T series film help me distinguish that film from an M series
film? I know that M and T are considered publications, and that
there are films that are preservation films instead of
publications, but what are A films? I know A films exist, as the
Washington State non-population census schedules are in A1154."

================================================================

Hi Connie,

As I learned from attending the "ABC's of NARA" workshop and all
of Marie Melchiori's NARA lectures at the NGS Conference in
April, there is definitely sound reasoning for the different
leading alpha characters in a microfilm publication. "M" refers
to a set of records where generally the entire series of records
is reproduced. Usually at the beginning of the first roll is an
introduction, a descriptive pamphlet [DP], and a table of
contents. "A", "T", "P", and "C" do not always reproduce a
complete series and there are no introductions or DP. "A" and
sometimes "T" may be copies of microfilm produced by other
Federal agencies. "P" is reproduced for preservation purposes,
and "C" is produced by private contractors.

I know that others will chime in with more detailed information.

Sharon Clouse
Chester, NJ

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