scanning equipment – Generation Imaging

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 23, 2011

Convert Microfiche

Although there are technically several ways to convert microfiche to PDF, TIFF, or JPEG, only one of them will deliver to you a high quality product, in a fast amount of time, at a low price. That method, of course, would be to send your microfiche to Generation Imaging in Florida via USPS, Fed-Ex, UPS, DHL, or via courier. But let us quickly go through the other methods to convert microfiche and see why they aren’t truly options:

Buy your own scanner. Sure you can get a ScanPro 2000 for a few thousand dollars. We have one of those- but we wouldn’t dare use them to convert microfiche for you. The reason why the ScanPro is inexpensive compared to the high production microfiche scanners is because the optics are poor for scanning microfiche; the high reduction ratio of microfiche (24x to 48x), lack of advanced quality filters, and rudimentary camera optics are all factors that are obstacles for creating a quality image. I didn’t even mention that you have to load one card at a time for the ScanPro. Although the ScanPro has its uses for other media, and it does come in handy for us for odd microform we may come across (it’s our business to receive all types of weird film) it’s not suitable for producing an acceptable quality to convert microfiche.
Buy high-end scanners. High production/high optics microfiche scanners (what Generation Imaging uses) can run you anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 each depending on make and model. In addition to maintenance costs, you must consider training, managing labor, workflow, and technical support.
Flat-bed scanner. PC scanners are unable to convert microfiche (the magnification is too low).
Reader printer. Reader printers cost around $3000 to $8000. The manual labor is very time consuming to convert microfiche to digital image (one frame at a time).
Used scanners, used reader printers, etc. Although used scanning equipment sounds good on paper because the prices are cut by thousands of dollars, they don’t come with any warranties. When you consider that reader printers are known to break down and parts are needed, and the same can be said of microfiche scanners.

Ultimately, it is more cost effective and safer to allow Generation Imaging to convert microfiche for your project. You can plug the numbers yourself and weight the risk factors. If you have a small volume project which requires you to convert microfiche, it’s a no-brainer to use Generation Imaging.