Advertisements from the North Carolina Whig, Feb. 11, 1852
Good news for all searchers of old newspapers and public records! Earlier this year the Carolina Room obtained a new microfilm reader - a Konica-Monica MS7000. Among other features, it could function as a scanner - converting the photographic image on microfilm to a digital file. It took some doing - see this other blog entry for details - but the Carolina Room staff are now able to transfer images directly from the microfilm reader to a laptop computer.
This service improvement permits us to respond to requests for newspaper articles or other microfilmed content by attaching a file to an email and sending it off. Compared to printing it out and mailing it, this method gives our users the materials they need in less time and in higher quality reproductions.
Visitors to the library with their own laptops may also connect to the scanner and download images, though library staff would have to instruct them first on how to set up their computers to communicate with the scanner.
The Carolina Room has a large photograph collection that can be viewed online at www.cmstory.org. Also on this site, you will see links to the archival records we have. Recently, we just organizing the Wyche family papers, and are in the process of creating a finding aid.
ReplyDeleteThe microfilm reader is great, but in todays market it might make sense to just scan those microfilm and microfiche records.
ReplyDeleteA few things to consider:
- The records are permanent documents that you are going to need to maintain for the long term. Microfilm was initially expected to last for up to 100 years, but we have seen microfilm deteriorate in as little as 10 years if it is not stored in "ideal conditions"
- It will cost about $7,000 to purchase a new microfilm reader printer and then another $1,000 per year (or so) to maintain that reader printer
- Plus, reader printers are bulky and take up a lot of space
16MM Microfilm can now be scanned for as little as $.01 per image.
Once the rolls are scanned your users will be able to review the records directly from computers and print necessary pages as needed.
- The records will be preserved for the long term with no further risk for deterioration
- The cost of maintaining the reader printer will be completely avoided
- You total investment over a 5 year period will actually be less than the cost of purchasing and maintaining a microfilm reader printer.
At Digital Film Solutions we scan microfilm, microfiche and aperture cards. You can learn more about our services at www.digitalfilmsolutions.com
Josh
www.digitalfilmsolutions.com
866-609-4337