Illinois economics and micrographics

This paper covers the operational and financial details of the first Illinois computer-output microfische installation. Fiscal 1981 costs and output are compared against earlier data highlight the economics of micrographics in effecting cost savings against an ever-increasing need for computer data output to assist management information needs. Typical user data is shown and monthly report forms covering source document microfilming, photographic processing and laboratory services are presented. Operational costs are compared and the cost per microfiche copy and per original silver negative are developed. The semantics of "savings" versus "cost avoidance" is explored.