Discusses the Massachusetts Historical Society's various photostat and microfilming projects and describes how they grew out of the philosophy of the society's founder, the Reverend Jeremy Belknap. Topics include the preservation of the papers of presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and collaboration with other repositories. (Author/JKP)

Briefly outlines the history of microreproduction devices and media, their changing role in library environments, and the activities of librarians as users of micrographic materials. The current state of the art and prospects for the future are also discussed, and a reference list is included. (JL)