Microfilm was once the go-to solution for preserving important documents, widely used by libraries, legal firms, healthcare institutions, and government agencies.
Today, however, accessing and using these records has become more challenging due to the scarcity of microfiche readers and scanners.
As a result, most people who still have microfiche documents are looking for ways to digitize them. Of course, there are many benefits to digitizing microfiche and microfilm, including the fact that digital files don’t deteriorate, are cheaper to store, and are text searchable, making them much easier to find when you need them.
Fortunately, there are a few relatively straightforward methods for converting your microfilm records into digital files.
Whether you’re looking to create digital backups or fully replace your archive, this article will outline your options and explain why, in some cases, professional scanning services may be the best solution for preserving your records.
Quick Refresher: What is Microfiche?
Microfiche is a format used for document storage that involves shrinking printed materials onto small, flat film cards (typically 105mm by 148mm). Each card can hold multiple pages of information, which are viewed using a microfiche reader that magnifies the images.
Once a staple in libraries, legal firms, healthcare institutions, and government agencies, microfiche became a popular choice for long-term preservation due to its durability—lasting up to 500 years in ideal conditions. Many records stored on microfiche still hold significant value today.
This is why there is growing interest in microfiche scanning. Digitizing these records not only helps preserve important information, it also enhances accessibility and makes it easier to integrate records into modern digital systems.
How Can I Scan Microfiche?
There are a few ways for you to digitize your microfiche, depending on your specific needs and budget.
Use a Microfilm Scanner
When it comes to digitizing microfiche, the most straightforward option is to purchase or rent a microfiche scanner.
These specialized scanners are designed to produce high-quality images from the tiny originals found on microfilm. With zoom ranges typically from 7x to 54x or greater, they ensure clear and detailed digital copies, regardless of the microfiche’s size or type.
Most microfiche scanners also come with software that includes features like image enhancement, cropping, and exporting in various digital formats. This makes it easy to produce quality digital reproductions all within one convenient package.
While the benefits of using a microfilm scanner are clear, there are some drawbacks to consider as well.
First, these scanners can be expensive, with prices ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 per machine. For institutions with substantial microfiche collections or frequent scanning needs, the investment may be justified. However, for occasional use or smaller collections, the cost might be difficult to justify.
Buying a used scanner is an option for those on a tighter budget. Many older models are durable and, when well-maintained, can be a more affordable solution.
Another challenge is that the scanning process itself can be time-consuming. Although these scanners simplify the task, organizing and tagging digitized files, extracting important content, and creating a well-structured filing system afterward can be more complex than expected.
For larger collections, it might be worth exploring alternative solutions.
Use Consumer Grade Scanning Equipment
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option for scanning their microfiche, consumer-grade scanning equipment can be a viable alternative. There are several scanners available for a few hundred dollars that, while primarily designed for scanning film negatives, can potentially be used for microfiche due to their high-resolution capabilities.
Scanners like the Epson Perfection V600 and Canon CanoScan 9000F are good examples. While designed for film scanning, both offer impressive resolutions—6400 x 9600 dpi and 9600 x 9600 dpi, respectively. Priced under $500, they are excellent choices for hobbyists or individuals looking to create high-resolution digital images of their film.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these scanners are not specifically made for microfiche. While they can work for personal use or small backup projects, their performance in professional settings may be inconsistent.
Consumer-grade equipment might suffice for those who want to view their microfiche on a larger scale, but the quality may not meet professional standards. Additionally, using these scanners for microfiche can be quite time-consuming, making it impractical for scanning large collections. The process requires a significant time investment, and results may vary in terms of quality and consistency.
Film Shops and Online Services
For those who don’t want to invest in expensive equipment or don’t have the time to handle the microfilm scanning process themselves, boutique shops and online scanning services can be a great alternative.
These services typically offer competitive pricing and deliver excellent results. With the right equipment and expertise, they can enhance the quality of your digitized images. This is especially useful for those with a significant amount of microfiche to scan, but not enough to justify the cost of purchasing their own scanner. Pricing can vary, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best deal.
However, a common concern with this method is the security of your sensitive information. Sending your microfiche to a third-party service, especially if it contains important or confidential data, can feel risky. That’s why it’s essential to ensure the service you choose is trustworthy and follows strict data protection standards.
That’s exactly why we’ve we’ve introduced our ultra-secure mail-in microfiche scanning service. Designed for those who need reliable microfilm digitization but may not have access to local scanning options, our service ensures your records are handled with care. Simply mail us your microfiche, and we’ll take care of the rest, converting your film into high-resolution digital images that are easy to store and share. Our process is HIPAA compliant, so you can be confident that your data is in safe hands. Contact us today for more information or to get started with your microfiche scanning project.
Outsourcing to Professional Services
If you need high quality digitization or have an extensive microfiche archive, outsourcing to a professional microfiche scanning service is often the most efficient and reliable solution.
At SecureScan, we utilize state-of-the-art microfiche scanning equipment and software, ensuring that your microfilm is captured with exceptional clarity and accuracy.
With over 21 years of experience in digitizing microfilm, our team has developed a deep understanding and proficiency in handling various types of microfiche. This extensive experience ensures that we deliver the best results for our clients, every time.
SecureScan has a proven track record of working with a wide range of organizations, including businesses, government agencies, engineering firms, and universities. Our service goes beyond mere digitization; we offer additional benefits that make us stand out in the industry. Our scanning technicians are HIPAA trained and certified, ensuring that all data handling is secure and compliant with the most stringent privacy standards. We also provide meticulous indexing and organization of digitized files, making the management and retrieval of your digital archives effortless and efficient.
Understanding the needs of businesses with large archives, our team is equipped to handle substantial volumes quickly and effectively. For those with sizable collections, we offer the convenience of coming to your location to retrieve your microfilm. Your valuable documents will then be securely transported to our scanning facility for processing. This level of service ensures that your documents are handled with the utmost care from start to finish, providing you with peace of mind and a hassle-free experience.
Let us help you transition your microfiche archives into the digital age with ease and professionalism. For more information, contact us or get a free scanning quote from one of our scanning technicians.
