BOTH THE REFERENCE MANUAL AND THE GUIDE WERE DEVELOPED AS PART OF THE COURT EQUIPMENT ANALYSIS PROJECT OF THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURTS. THE GUIDE IS DESIGNED FOR THOSE ONLY REQUIRING A SUMMARY REVIEW AND APPRAISAL. TOPICS INCLUDE THE SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR EVALUATING MICROFILM REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTING SYSTEMS; PROCEDURES, COSTS, AND BENEFITS FOR VARIOUS MICROFILM SYSTEMS; STANDARDS FOR COURT RECORDS, MICROFILM QUALITY AND STORAGE, AND RECORDS RETENTION AND DISPOSITION; AND BASIC MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR OPERATING AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT MICROFILM SYSTEM. THE APPENDIXES CONTAIN CHARTS OF SELECTED APPLICATIONS OF MICROFILM IN THE COURTS (BOTH ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE), MICROFILM SYSTEM COST PROJECTS, AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS TO THE REFERENCE MANUAL IS ALSO PROVIDED, IN THE EVENT THAT MORE DETAILED INFORMATION IS NEEDED. INFORMATION FOR THIS REPORT WAS COLLECTED AND ASSESSED THROUGH COURT SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES, COURT SITE VISITS, LITERATURE SEARCHES, AND INTERACTION WITH VENDORS. THE PROJECT STAFF SYNTHESIZED BOTH COURT AND MICROFILM INDUSTRY INFORMATION TO DEVELOP MICROFILM RECOMMENDATIONS DESIGNED TO FULFILL COURT REQUIREMENTS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED) (SNI ABSTRACT)