Sunday, February 2, 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.

Microform is a medium that is used to store copies of documents on a flat sheet of film, typically a polyester base. Multiple pages are printed on a film of extremely small size, and the standard is 105 millimeters by 148 millimeters. That equates to roughly 4 by 5.8 inches.

Microfilms are not normally viewable by the naked eye. The films must be magnified in order to view the films well enough. The machines that are built for this purpose use a magnifier and simple projectors.

The viewing machines are initially expensive, but they are considered unique items that feature strong endurance. Many educational and government buildings will have these machines and the microfilms. There are various scanners that can be interconnected to digital devices for interchangeable formats. When microfilms are employed, a small storage system can hold over 10,000 pages of documents and images. A small cabinet is sufficient, but some places use more.

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.

Microfilms have little disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that you need viewer machines to view the documents on the film. The machines are bulky, and they are not suitable for on-the-move circumstances. Finding a good machine can be difficult and these machines are unique and rare.

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 the films are near impossible to view accurately without a microfiche scanner handy, the machines can be integrated with digital devices such as computers and data formats. Without a microfiche scanner, one has to travel to a location that has one for easy viewing, access, and control. With the right scanner, digital interchange is straightforward to use.




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