• Minimum charge: $30 (includes deposit)
• Microfilming rates per page:
• Letter-sized.....................................................$0.10
• Legal-sized......................................................$0.20
• Bound books..................................................$0.25
• Oversized bound books...............................$0.30
• Shipping and handling (of microfilm)
  projects costing up to $30..........................$2.50
  (over $30, cost increases proportionately)
• Remove paper clips, staples and fasteners
  from originals to avoid make-ready
  charges of $10 per hour.

Church records should be carefully preserved and protected against the ravages of time and disaster. Poor storage conditions, natural disasters and the self-destructive nature of paper all pose a threat to the continued survival of historical material. Irreplaceable records could be lost for future generations. One of the most effective ways to protect these records is to microfilm them. A microfilm print allows others to read important records and church minutes without fear of loss or damage to the originals.

Microfilm is valuable for a church as a convienient and inexpensive method of preserving church records. A church may choose to place its minutes, records and pther historical documents on a 35mm microfilm which can be read on a microfilm reader. Most schools, colleges and public libraries are equipped with these machines and make them available for public use. The microfilm unit of the Special Collections and Archives in Furman University's library is equipped to handle the microfilming of your church's records.

Membership records, financial records, special documents, church minutes and minutes of deacons' meetings are valuable resources of your church which should be preserved by microfilm. A brief church history could be a part of these records.

Make a proposal. We recommend having a church clerk or history committee prepare and present a proposal recommending that records be microfilmed. Secure funds and other necessary support for the project before proceeding.

Organize and inventory items to microfilm. Keep similar types of items together. Place all minutes (bound volumes or loose pages) in one group and documents (such as charter, constitution and deeds) in another group. Arrange groups chronololgically or sequentially.

Prepare items for microfilming. Remove paper clips, staples and other fasteners from pages of records. (Following this and other directions provided will help avoid extra make-ready charges.) Identitfy and label items clearly. Include information such as name and location of church, dates, volume number and number of pages for each item on typed or printed identification labels. Place descriptions for each item inside the cover of the specific items(s). Make note of any pages or dates missing from the records. Place loose pages (arranged in chronological order) inside a file folder or large envelope. Include an inventory. A typewritten or printed inventory of all items should be placed in the container in which the materials are sent/delivered. Pack the materials carefully. Wrap each item individually and surround with ample padding. Place padded items in a strong and secure with reinforced tape.

Deliver materials to be microfilmed, with the authorization form and inventory, to Special Collections & Archives at Furman University. Ship the records via insured parcel post or UPS. If hand-delivering your materials, please call Special Collections & Archives at 864.294.2194 or e-mail specialcollections@furman.edu to arrange a time. A letter should be sent under separate cover to Special Collection & Archives (at James B. Duke Library, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613) indicating the date your church records were shipped, the number of boxes in the shipment and the address to which you want your materials returned. along with a copy of the authorization form packed with your materials.

It usually takes about eight to ten weeks to complete the microfilming. The microfilm archival negative will be kept by the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives in NAshville, Tennessee. A positive reel will be available for researchers in the Special Collections and Archives, Jmaes B. Duke Library, Furman University. A positive copy of the micro film will also be given to the church. Records are kept in a climate-controled, secure area until the microfilming process is completed. It is recommended that your records be filmed every five to ten years.