Wednesday 29 January 2014

Using A Microfiche Scanner To View And Store Documents

By Grace Rivas


When a microfiche scanner is used, a thin transparent film is used to store information in a miniature system. The most common method of reading the cards is to use a reader machine that magnifies the film data. Libraries and museums use these machines often as a way to store resources efficiently. While most organizations may employ digital means to store data, microfiches are used widely and some may argue that they have a longer life span.

Microform is a medium that is used to store copies of documents on a flat sheet of film, typically a polyester base. Multiple pages are printed on a film of extremely small size, and the standard is 105 millimeters by 148 millimeters. That equates to roughly 4 by 5.8 inches.

Microfiches are difficult, if not, impossible to view with the naked eye. You must place the films in a scanner that will magnify and project your document for your viewing ease. The machines are basically simple scanners and projectors.

The viewing machines are initially expensive, but they are considered unique items that feature strong endurance. Many educational and government buildings will have these machines and the microfilms. There are various scanners that can be interconnected to digital devices for interchangeable formats. When microfilms are employed, a small storage system can hold over 10,000 pages of documents and images. A small cabinet is sufficient, but some places use more.

While the machines are expensive, they are not complicated to use and does not require specialized software or skill to use them. Digital storage media can only be read on things like computers. Some institutions do use microfiches and digital storage media interchangeably. The polyester material which the images are printed on is quite stable, and in temperature controlled environments, the films can last as long as 500 years.

In comparison, CDs have a relatively short life span, and they are not ideal solutions for long-term storage. CDs typically do not last beyond 100 years, unless concentrated care is exercised. Computers and digital storage mediums have a short-term life span in contrast to microfilms and scanners. Microfiches last a lot longer and are easy to replace when films are damaged or lost.

Microfilms have little disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that you need viewer machines to view the documents on the film. The machines are bulky, and they are not suitable for on-the-move circumstances. Finding a good machine can be difficult and these machines are unique and rare.

Microforms are best viewed in black and white contrast. For example, a professional photographer would not be complete in his profession using microforms and the machines for professional photography quality images. Microfilms with deep concentration in color would have fading damage over time with exposure to bright lights.

While the films are near impossible to view accurately without a microfiche scanner handy, the machines can be integrated with digital devices such as computers and data formats. Without a microfiche scanner, one has to travel to a location that has one for easy viewing, access, and control. With the right scanner, digital interchange is straightforward to use.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment