In the third world countries like Bangladesh, it is always experienced that although technology comes rapidly but technical knowhow is hardly disseminated. This is perhaps one of the business policies of the multi-national companies. This is equally true for donors. Under aid agreements, both sophisticated and/or outdated equipment come to our country. This process is often accelerated by so called experts, consultants, commission/local agents. Foreign consultants are assigned for some time and huge amount of money paid for installation. Often a non-technical person (maybe head of the department/organisation) visits abroad to make the deal. As a result, in many cases, we face the same trouble.

Microfilming was introduced in our country some four decades ago. But no plan-wise documentation has been done and it is still going on without proper need assessment from the national point of view. After independence and till date, in the name of development millions of Taka is spent, but development goals in most cases have hardly been achieved. Politicians, bureaucrats, planners, implementers and others seem to be much interested in infrastructure development, but in many cases our human resource development is not as much not addressed. As a result new technology is hardly utilised to its optimum strength.

During the period notable success has been achieved in the field of photography without any support from government or others. This has been possible by the photographers themselves through devotion, integrity, relentless efforts, learning by doing etc.

Photography is a vast subject and has hundreds of use and applications. Microrecording system is one of the branches of photography. A micrographer (microfilm) should have sound/practical knowledge of B/W photography. Like in other fields, a micrographer needs special orientation/training for recording on microfilm, processing, preservation, maintenance and others. However, there is not a single institution here to teach or to impart knowledge on the subject. In spite of that a number of government institutions/organisations procured microrecording equipment. Again, as mentioned earlier, most of these were hardly used. It is seen that a few institutes/organisations are using the system without properly trained persons. They are somehow managing the routine work as they have some idea of photography. They never tried to find out experts to get proper advice.

Not only in the case of Dhaka University Library but the situation is also true for other institutions. A reliable source says that some processed microfilms of Press Institute of Bangladesh have also been damaged. Some glass plates (negatives) of the archeological sites of the then East Bengal, donated by the government of India after 1947 have also been damaged due to inadequate care and maintenance. Loss of these irreplaceable items is loss of national history and heritage. All these happened due to lack of proper knowledge or care on the part of micorgrapher and the head(s) of the institution as well. It is observed that institution/departmental head(s) seldom try to understand how to manage/handle post production microfilms.

The authorities hardly think to develop the skill and knowledge of the technicians. As a result, expertise has not developed as much, although some have been working in this particular field for a long time. It is worth mentioning here that universities offer graduation and masters courses on information science/technology and library management. Later on these students work as librarians. But they are hardly aware of post production operation of microrecording system. Most of the university library teams are headed by a professor. Managing the library, quite naturally, seldom gets first priority to him and also he is not supposed to be aware of the technical aspects. The statement by the Professor/ Chief Librarian of Dhaka University blaming only humidity for damage of the films is unfortunate. We are all aware of the presence of humidity in the atmosphere. It is natural to us. Humidity creates problems for so many things. But it is overcome with application of technology.

There are other reasons that may damage the films. Films are manufactured with light-sensitive materials -- silver halide is placed on celluloid with the help of gelatin. After exposing, the film is processed through developer-water-fixer-water. The last stage is very much important. The fixer (sodium thio sulfate, hypo) must be removed from the film through washing by running water at least for an hour and followed by proper drying. Then there would be no chance of decay. Presence of hypo in processed film will damage the film. If it is damaged by humidity then it can be detected easily as the fungus will be visible. It is possible to remove fungus, if it is not stuck while in roll. Too much humidity, damp/closed room or non use within 3-5 years or no routine checking at least once a quarter of year -- may lead to sticking of films. Then the emulsion/images on the film maybe gone forever.

In most of the cases in our country proper storage is not done. Sometimes the worst place is selected for storage, even for films. Certain low temperature is necessary. But even without cold temperature the films/microfilms can be preserved for long time with proper care. Nowadays, there are some foreign made special file cabinets available which can protect to a certain extent against humidity and are also fire proof. A file cabinet can contain millions of pages in the form of micro-recording. Even a dehumidifier can protect a room from moisture. Using dehumidifier means the room condition is always dry with mildly warm temperature, which is good for keeping processed films. There are even some air-conditioners built with dehumidifier. If either air-conditioner or dehumidifier is not provided in that case the microfilms should be checked from one end to another manually or by film inspector once in every three/four months. This process also will be helpful for long time preservation.

Another important aspect is that the master negative should not be used frequently by readers and others. While the master negative is used, special care should be taken. During the time of handling, there is possibility of scratching on film. Normally positive microfilms are allowed for use by the reader. Producing microfilm negative is costly while at the same cost, several positives can be obtained. These are preserved in different places, not in one place. By chance if one is damaged then other copies can be made available.

Unrest in politics, involvement of students and also teachers in politics, political appointment of VC's and teachers and influence of ruling party on the university management have damaged the educational atmosphere on the campus, not to speak of proper care in preservation of microfilm. Even after more than 30 years of independence, this question still comes to mind again and again: How would researchers/students collect knowledge/information if the situation on the campus remains bereft of academic atmosphere?

Jahangir Selim, former microfilm-in-charge of a national daily, is photographer, CIRDAP.