Store It In Microfilm
Got books, periodicals, or whatever pertinent documents that
need to be stored in a compact and reliable format? Then put it
in microfilm. Amidst the so-called digital revolution,
preservation by use of microfilm is still widely valued and
practiced.
Most people only remember microfilm from their school days when
they were researching for a term paper or report. In fact, most
people see this as an old-fashion way of storing information.
They are not aware that significant developments have been made
by the microfilm and microfilm equipment manufacturers while
digital systems became popular.
Several companies continued to invest in research and
development of new microfilm products, which lead to the
production of and availability of advanced microfilm systems.
Below are just some of the advantages of microfilm.
1. Being compact is probably microfilm's foremost advantage. By
using either a roll of black and white 35mm photographic film or
a Hollerith punch card that mounts a single exposure, microfilm
has the capacity to store a year's worth of periodicals into a
format that takes up 10 percent of the original's space and 3
percent of the original's weight.
2. Another advantage of microfilm is it's relatively lower cost
than standard subscription rates. This is because microfilm has
lower reproduction costs than a comparable amount of printed
paper.
3. Because it's an analog format, microfilm is easier to view
because there is no special equipment needed unlike digital
media. Actually, the only needed equipment is a simple
magnifying glass and good lighting. This reduces the possibility
of obsolescence.
4. Microfilm is a legally accepted substitute for the original.
5. Though potential of microfilms admittedly pales in comparison
with that of digital technology, microfilms can enhance access
to information that would otherwise be unavailable because the
original item is at a distant site or is vulnerable to damage
and/or loss through handling.
6. Microfilms are relatively inexpensive to produce and to copy.
7. Microfilm stores a high quality grayscale image
inexpensively.
8. Microfilm is a durable media.
9. Standards for creating, processing and storing microfilms
exist.
10. Equipment to read microfilm will not become obsolete.
11. Microfilm is also a very stable archival form. Because most
microfilms use polyester with silver-halide dyes in hard
gelatin, it has an estimated life of 500 years in
air-conditioning.
However, being analog format, it is true that microfilm also has
a few disadvantages compared to digital formats. These include:
1. Microfilm images are too small to read. Special readers that
project full-size images on a ground-glass screen are often used
especially by libraries.
2. Images in microfilms cannot be reproduced using a
conventional photocopier. There are special viewers though that
produces a photocopy of microfilm image.
3. Images in microfilm can also be only be reproduced a limited
number of times, while digital media regenerate and often
include error detection and correction schemes.
Still, the advantages of microfilming still outweigh the
disadvantages. That is why it is highly advisable for
individuals and institutions to use microfilms for the archival
requirements.
There are commercial microfilmers that are ready to convert your
books and documents to microfilm. In choosing a service
provider, it is a good idea to visit and make sure that
environmental control, fire protection, housekeeping, and
security meet the needs of the collections that will be filmed.
This is very important so damage to original materials that will
be returned to the collection rather than being discarded will
be prevented.
About the author:
James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of MicrofilmGuide.com and
writes expert articles about microfilm.
- Curb The TV Habit In 3 Easy Steps
So you're not quite ready to throw the TV away, but you're limiting the time spent viewing television in your home? Here are some easy tips that have worked for me.... - Machiavelli Hangman: The New Age Of Digital Filmmaking
It was a regular day, at a regular get-together at a regular house, or so it seemed. The cast of the latest Independent Hollywood offering The Machiavelli Hangman (http://www.hangmanmovie.com) had come together to rehearse the scenes and do some... - Using Black and White Film
It’s hard to find sometimes but it’s making a resurgence, black and white film. If you’ve never used this film now is the time to try it out. Here are some tips to using b&w film and what you can expect from the results....
28 Users Online