Microfiche Scanning Services

2008-09-24 15:16:27

( Computers )



Microfiche - File Storage the Old Fashioned Way

A few decades ago, hard copies of documents were filmed and stored in the form of microfiche. These are drastically reduced into tiny images that can be put side by side onto 4 x 6 microfiche sheets.

To view a microfiche sheet, you need a microfiche reader printer. You have to move the sheet up, down or sideways to find the image of the document you want to view. Then with a push of the print button, you can get a hard copy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Microfilm and Microfiche

Microfiche storage is beneficial in saving a lot of paperwork and space. Many pages of a book can be placed on a single microfiche sheet, which is more compact than having to store pages of hard copies. Microfiche sheets also last longer than paper versions and can be stacked away in drawers.

However, microfiche is also subject to damage from fire or moisture. And unless you have made multiple copies of the same documents, you could easily misplace them.

Besides, images generated by microfiche reader printers may sometimes come out fuzzy or unreadable. At the point of filming the documents, you cannot control the size and clarity of the images. Sometimes, the film also gets exposed during filming, and you end up with a blank sheet.

Digital Microfiche and Microfilm Images - An Even Better Way

Today's computer technology has made it possible to use scanning hardware and software to capture original or microfiche images and then upload them into hard drive storage.

An added advantage of digital microfilm scanning is that it has the capability to edit and adjust the images as to size, clarity and even color. You can use computer photo editing software to retouch microfiche images, just as you do with photographic images.

The best part about microfiche scanning is the volume of data you can fit into one directory. The images, which you can label with their file names, can be easily classified in any way that would make your search easier.

With a few clicks, you can locate and open each image as well as make a good printed image. The storage space will be so much less than that required for microfiche sheets. There is no problem of misplacing, because you can back up the files into your hard drive or flash drive, or burn them onto a CD. You can upload and send these files through e-mail or transfer them to portable media devices through USB cable.

Where to Find Microfiche Scanning Services

Many sites offer microfiche scanning services. You can arrange to send the microfiche sheets to be scanned and then you can get them back in CD or download versions.

If you have a lot of microfiche conversion tasks, another option is to buy scanning equipment to view and transform microfiche images into digital files.


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