Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Disadvantages And Advantages Of Using A Microfiche Scanner

By Grace Rivas


A microfiche scanner is used to scan thin transparent films that store information. The films are miniature, and the most common method of reading the films is to use the machine to magnify the film and its information. These things are commonly found in libraries and museums. Any place that is interesting in preserving documents and images would benefit from the films because they have a longer life span than digital formats do.

In case it got by you, microfilms are much more durable and stronger than digital data mediums. A small film is around 155mm x 148mm. In inches, it translates to 4 in x 5.8 in. Typically, microfilms used to embed documents and images are made from a polyester base.

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 viewer machines are quite expensive, and they can be commonly found in large institutions that like to preserve documents and historical context. Optical scanners can be utilized to convert the documents to digital formats that can be used on a computer. A small storage cabinet would be sufficient space to hold thousands of microfiches, which can contain around upwards of 10,000 pages of materials.

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.

The main disadvantages to using microfiches are that special equipment is required to view pages, and for this reason, it is not always practical to use these. The equipment required to view the pages are bulky, and are less common in the market than computers. Microfiches and the relative equipment used are considered unique and a rarity.

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 it is possible to share files from a microfiche scanner via digital formats, it can be difficult. If one has the right equipment, it is a relatively straightforward process to set up. If a document is only available via microform, one has to travel to the physical location where a reader is to view the documents.




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