Micrography:

Micrographic technology is an outgrowth of photographic technology. Since this technology is being increasingly used to supplement computer systems, strong electronic and photo-electronic influences make it multi-technology dependent. Micrographic technology finds its application not only as a publishing medium but also, as a communication medium, computer output medium, and storage medium. In the past, the use of microform as a publishing medium was limited because of inherent limitations. It may be stated that the widely known field of use for this technology was in connection with archivation and for file and library compaction, in which microforms replace traditional paper publications. Micropublishing for selective retrieval should be seen as user-oriented application in the context of changing information' transfer needs. It involves two separate, but interlinked distribution processes, (i) publication of full content on microforms, and (ii) distribution of retrieval support information (i.e., index, access to database, etc.). This support information is the key to the retrieval. It can be made available on any medium (such as paper, microfilm, magnetic tape or floppy disk) that provides ease of access to location codes for the full information on microforms.