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.

Storing documents via microform is basically embedding documents on flat sheets of film made from polyester base. A film can store multiple small pages and the standard is one-hundred five millimeters by one-hundred forty-eight millimeters. That is about four by six 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 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.

A good quality machine can be expensive, but surprisingly they are straightforward to operate. The machines require no software or digital formats. They operate as a standalone machine for a specific material. The materials which film is built of are stable, and if stored in a temperature controlled room, they films can last up to 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.

Microfiches do have some disadvantages, but its advantages outweigh the disadvantages. While the need of special equipment is required, it is still bulky and unideal for everyday transportation. The films and the machines to view them are not modern day trends and are considered specialized items.

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.

The films are near impossible to view without a microfiche scanner nearby. If you do not have a machine, you can most likely find one at your local courthouse, library, museum, or educational institution. There is also the inconvenience of having to travel to another location to view microfilms, but if you purchase one for a one time investment, it would streamline your life if you deal with a lot of microfilms.




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