Category: Microfilm Scanning

August 29, 2011

Microfilm Scanning Helps Library Online Services

Microfilm Scanning has been very helpful for updating library records and historical information. Many institutions around the nation have performed microfilm scanning to make it possible for users to access information online. Compare to traditional microfilm readers to view the information, the ability to go on a computer and look for the information online is a tremendous help.

The way microfilm scanning transfers genealogical information and other type of information from microfiche to a digital format is possible with advanced microfilm scanning equipment. The type of information that is contained in the microfilm is usually not a limiting factor. We can convert newspaper images, book images, pictures, magazines, and just about any other type of information that was previously placed on microfilm.

Post microfilm scanning, the data converted is transferred to jpeg files or some other type of format needed. These files are then joined into a retrieval system that allows users to search for the information they are looking for. The microfilm scanning quality is not only dependent on the quality of the microfilm scanning equipment, but also on the skills of the operator.

Further into the future, we should be able to have access to many of the records that libraries still have in hard copy or microfiche format and microfilm scanning is one part of the solution.

August 25, 2011

Convert Microfiche to PDF

Thanks to the beauty of the internet, it has never been easier to finding a solution to convert microfiche to PDF. Damian Hospital and Dan Gandul have decades of experience with microfiche scanning and through the use of the internet can reach out to more people who need to convert microfiche to digital image (PDF, TIFF, or JPEG). Generation Imaging provides wholesale pricing and very low flat rate fees if you just have a handful of fiche or even for just one card.

Some potential clients are hesitant to send out their fiche in the mail, but Generation Imaging has never had a shipping mishap and your media is secure at G.I.’s office in Florida. Generation Imaging prides itself on meeting deadlines and its internal quality control methods. If you want to convert microfiche to PDF, you can rest assured your fiche are in capable hands. You can join other satisfied clients: Generation Imaging Testimonials.

The cost to convert microfiche to PDF, TIFF, or JPEG depends on the volume (number of cards + number of frames on the cards) and if there are any indexing parameters or image enhancements/processing (such as OCR- Object Character Recognition).

Generation Imaging does not engage in any “bait and switch” tactics, scanning subcontracting, overhype our capabilities to convert microfiche, or lies about due dates. If anything changes during the scanning process (like if the fiche wasn’t as described or some fiche were of a lower quality than the initial test) you would be notified immediately.

The final product can be of any format or filing system you’d like. When we convert microfiche, we can create single page images or multi-page images. Images can be scanned at any DPI resolution. Folders can be named however you’d like.

August 24, 2011

US Libraries go Microfiche to Digital

A recent movement to convert microfiche to digital images will help local libraries across the nation in their efforts to get more information online. Records stored in a microfilm format is not a preferred method to use since finding information from microfilm is very time consuming. Historians and other genealogical researchers across the nation tell us that once they convert their microfiche to digital, the research time and accuracy have improved dramatically. Additionally, microfiche to digital is now fast and economical, making this process available to everyone.

You don’t have to know much about the process and procedure to convert your microfiche to digital format. Expert help is available at your fingertips. A microfiche to digital conversion is a highly skillful procedure that requires lots of experience to do it right. However, you can take advantage of years of experience from experts that have converted millions of records from microfiche to digital.

Another important aspect of a successful microfiche to digital conversion is the equipment used. There are a number of systems capable of converting your microfiche to digital but not all of these systems will yield the same results. To achieve a high degree of quality on a consistent basis, I recommend that only top quality microfiche to digital equipment be used. This equipment is very expensive so make sure you check with experts that will do this for you for a very cost effective price.

July 29, 2011

Convert Microfiche vs Convert Microfilm

A mistake that occurs from clients or organizations who are not familiar with micrographics is mixing up microfiche and microfilm. Every industry or niche has its own lexicon, and in the micrographics industry there are major differences between microfiche and microfilm. The purpose of this article is to describe the differences between microfilm and microfiche.

Microfilm- It’s rolled.

In the most simplest terms, microfilm is rolled and microfiche is flat. Microfilm is also called roll film, and microfilm reels, microfilm rolls. Sometimes the width of the film is used to describe the types, such as 16mm roll film or 35mm microfilm.

Microfilm is usually stored in plastic or metal spools. Some old microfilm is stored in metal pans. Yes, microfilm generally looks like small versions of movie reel film, except without the classic sprockets.

Microfilm cartridges look different that the standard reel spools- but only on the outside. The film is enclosed in a hard metal square casing to protect it. Kodak and 3M were innovators in producing microfilm cartridges.

There is no such thing as a 35mm roll film cartridge; there are only 16mm microfilm cartridges.

The actual microfilm frame placement and types vary, such as duplex film, positive, negative, duo, fixed, blipped, variable, etc, however that is a different topic and is unrelated to identifying microfilm vs microfiche.

Microfiche- It’s flat.

A jacketed microfiche

Microfiche are flat “cards”, usually 4.13 x 5.83 inches, containing a few frames on them. Whereas a microfilm may hold 500 (35mm) to 20,000 frames (duplex), a microfiche card may hold as many one one frame to a couple of hundred (COM fiche).

Jacketed microfiche are simply roll film cut up into strips and inserted into plastic sleeves. Some people get confused if they don’t see the jacket sleeves, but it could be that the microfiche was duplicated. If it was duplicated, the copy may still have faint lines highlighting the border of the jackets. Since jackets are created from microfilm strips, they can come in the 16mm microfiche or 35mm microfiche varieties. A 16mm jacket has more rows and columns, and thus can hold more frames that a 35mm jacket (1-6 frames).

COM microfiche is computer generated and contain very small frames (usually with a 42x or 48x reduction ratio).

Step-and-repeat microfiche were created with a step-and-repeat camera. Many times they contain manuals or books and can hold hundreds of frames.

December 14, 2010

Microfilm Scanning 2011

Microfilm Scanning

As 2010 heads to a close, Generation Imaging just wants to wish you Happy Holidays: Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah. 2010 was a tough year for the economy and we hope all of our partners are hanging on and continue to be prosperous by making adjustments to adapt to this new economy. G.I. Partners, LLC stands ready to assist you with your microfilm scanning conversion as always, no matter if you are a hobbyist, reseller, or government agency. Generation Imaging has been very busy this year, meeting new clients and providing a top-notch microfilm scanning service to our loyal partners.

You can rest assured that your microfilm scanning conversion will be handled with the attention it deserves.
Some new clients may have uneasiness about sending out 16mm or 35mm rolls for the first time for microfilm scanning. However, we want to assure you that we have handled microfilm for decades and never damaged or lost any reels. Damian Hospital and Daniel Gandul have managed thousands of microfilm scanning projects over the years with no issues.

All of your rolls are logged into our microfilm scanning database. After we receive the 16mm or 35mm roll film, we compare the media to the provided log, if there is one. If there were any discrepancies between the provided log and our initial inventory, you would be notified immediately. Every department utilizes this database to update microfilm scanning information. Reports are generated to indicate the status and image count of each reel at any time during the production workflow. Scanner operators wear rubber gloves when handling film. Access is only given to authorized employees. Office requires our G.I. passcode to enter, and has security cameras.

Please feel free to call or e-mail Dan or Damian any day or time for a microfilm scanning quote or information about the microfilm scanning process.

Have a great holiday to close out 2010, and let’s hope 2011 continues to be good for all of us.