Over time, microfilm and microfiche collections can become almost unreadable due to improper storage conditions. Poor storage of microfilm can result in the growth of fungus, redox, and other lasting damaging effects. Aside from damage that occurs due to natural aging and improper storage conditions, there’s no telling when a fire, flood, earthquake or even something as simple as a spilled cup of coffee could damage your microfilm collection.

There's no need to check your calendars. Yes I'm writing about microfilm CAR systems and no it's not 1995.

Microfilm CAR (Computer Assisted Retrieval) systems were developed in the 80’s as a way to quickly locate any image across a vast microfilm collection. It was really an ingenious system at the time; a computer database would contain a detailed inventory of all your microfilm rolls. So if you were looking for Kevin D'Arcy’s student record, you could search on ‘Kevin D'Arcy’, filter down the results using additional fields such as data of birth, and the system would tell you his file was located on roll 2,784 at frame 346. You would simply pull roll 2,784 from the cabinet, load it into your microfilm reader printer and it would automatically advance the roll to frame 346, bringing you right to Kevin’s file. You could even configure it to automatically print the record. For the visual people in the group:

Are you looking to bring more digital content to your patrons in 2014? Are you looking for solutions that are easy to use and will cut down on time spent by staff re-training users? If that's the case, here are three digital/scanning solutions your library may want to consider.

Well it's finally happened. Canon Canada, the long-time microfilm industry leader, has announced the discontinuation of their microfilm toner cartridges and so ends a significant era in microfilm history.

If you’ve been contemplating what to do with your archive of microfilm files—but haven’t actually gotten around to doing anything yet—don’t wait any longer. Now is the time to act, before it’s too late. There are many changes happening in the microfilm industry, which may make it more difficult and expensive to maintain and expand a microfilm archive.

This should give you the nudge you need to get moving and start transitioning to a more modern document management system. Digital files are much more convenient, easy to store and share.

Libraries are full of historic collections. Hard copy newspapers, one-of-a-kind artwork, maps, etc. Our microfilm scanning services can help you convert virtually any material to useful digital images. With over four decades of conversion experience we have the tools and resources to handle even the most fragile materials.

Let’s pretend and step into the shoes of one of our clients. You work in a large division of the Ontario Government and you need to make prints from microfilm. The only piece of equipment you have is a very old, very worn out, microfilm reader printer. Why not just have the machine fixed you ask? That would be a good idea, have our skilled technicians out to service the microfilm reader printer bring it back up to working condition. We could, but unfortunately toner for this machine is no longer available. The only option you are authorized to pursue, is taking the film to a different location to make the prints and not without a charge. $0.25/print and on average a file size of 400+ pages this adds up quickly. Not to mention the security threat of leaving the roll of film or prints left behind.

This is where MES Hybrid Document Systems stepped in. Working together we were able to determine the MES ViewScan would be the best replacement microfilm scanner for the client. With its new technology the ViewScan is a compact, fully intergraded roll film and microfiche viewer/scanner that digitally captures images and instantly projects them on a PC Monitor. Now up and running the client is able to produce prints or even email the images to all the required parties, without ever having the worry of the film leaving the office.