You may remember microfilm viewers from school and public libraries. In the early 20th century, microfilm became a way to preserve documents like newspapers, magazines and even books written on paper that rarely stood the test of time. With today’s digital formats for saving documents, you don’t see microfilm as often. However, it is there and can be an option for businesses that deal with large amounts of information.
Processed film known as microfilm contains a huge amount on information in a single roll, with images 25 times smaller than the original size. A single microfiche, a flat piece of film the size of an index card, easily holds up to 400 pages. No computer or special software is needed, just a magnifying glass, although a microfiche viewer makes reading easier.
Microfilm and microfilm machines come with the following advantages:
1. Film takes up much less room than paper, reducing storage space needs up to 95%.
2. It can be cost effective to make copies of microfilm.
3. Microfilm can last up to 500 year and has even survived natural disasters such as flooding.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Determine whether microfilm is right for you
Decide what information you need to store. The government and libraries deal with such a large amount of paper that it makes sense to convert it to film and use microfiche viewers. Another common use for microfilm is engineering drawings, which can be stored at 3% of the size of original drawings.
I recommend: Find out what’s involved in converting to microfilm at
OCLC. If you own microfilm, but want to convert to digital images, contact
Family Toolbox.
Locate companies that convert information for microfilm viewers
Writing documents into microfilm or microfiche (microphotography) is done with special cameras or computerized devices. Most businesses that use microfiche viewers outsource the actual conversion to document conversion firms. Not all document conversion companies use microfilm supplies and technology; you have to ask.
I recommend: Start with
Microfilm Services, a company experienced in converting into microfilm. Another company with microfilm experience is
SyTech Solutions.
Read data with a microfiche viewer
While technically it's possible to read microfilm and microfiche with a magnifying glass, you really don't want to. You need a microfilm reader to project film onto a screen for viewing. You'll find both desktop and portable microfiche viewers-readers, plus some readers that allow printing to paper.
I recommend: Compare the various
microfilm and microfiche viewers to decide what is right for you.
Scan documents with specialized microfilm and microfiche viewers
Another method to print from microfiche or microfilm viewers is through microfilm scanners. A microfiche viewer and scanner can convert images to hard copies or to other digital formats. Look for a microfiche machine with scanning functions.
I recommend: Check the microfiche scanners offered by
RisTech.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If you see a need for access to information in over a hundred years, consider microfilm, which will always be in a readable format, unlike continually upgraded digital formats.
- Spend time planning storage and operating systems for microfilm that includes at least one microfiche machine.
- High humidity attracts a fungus that eats the gelatin used in the microfilm binding process. If you're in a tropical location, you must use a diazo-based system that doesn't last as long as standard microfilm.
- Due to its lower cost, more businesses choose black and white microfilm over color.
The official source of Microfilm and Microfiche Viewers is
the Microfilm and Microfiche Viewers page at Business.com
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