Microfilm technology has been around for over 80 years. It has undergone many major improvements, and is still one of the most stable mediums for preserving information. If handled and stored correctly, microfilm can last up to 500 years.
Historical Timeline for Use of Microfilm as a Preservation Medium
Film Bases, Film Coating, Alternative Microform Types, Microform Types
Life expectancy, Deterioration
Handling of microfilm, Use of equipment
Storage Enclosures, Relative Humidity and Temperature, Pollution, Multiple Copies
Disadvantages of Microfilm, Challenges of Digitization