The Increasing Importance of Microfilm Scanners

1
The Increasing Importance of Microfilm
ScannersBy Kevin DArcyVice President of Sales
Marketing
2
What is A Microfilm Scanner

• A microfilm scanner is a device that is used for
  reading microform documents. Microform documents
  include microfilm, flat film, microfiche, ultra
  fiche and aperture cards. Using cassettes or open
  reels, microfilm is used by a wide variety of
  enterprises to store many documents in a small
  space. Microfilm and scanners have become
  increasingly important in the storage of archived
  newspapers as well as development of films. A
  reader is used in viewing and projecting to
  magnify microfilm images to readable sizes.

3
Quality Microfilm Scanners

• A high quality reader offers two forward and two
  reverse speeds and uses high quality precision
  crafted motors, automatic opening glass platen,
  rotary control switch, film loading at desk
  level, zoom lens with magnification ranging from
  18X through 42X, 24" x 24" screen for a large
  clear image. Purchasing a microfilm scanner with
  these features will ensure a versatile reader for
  all libraries and research institutions.
• Quality microfilm scanners come with a wide
  variety of accessories to improve usability
  including writing pad holders, choice of foot
  switches uni-directional or bi-directional,
  automatic blip retrieval using blip chip
  controllers, adjustable height table with modesty
  panel and more.
• Not all microfilm scanners are created equal and
  it is important to choose a reader that is
  manufactured by a company with a commitment to
  quality, service and value.

4
Features of Quality Microfilm Scanners

• Proven Precision Optics A standard 18x-42x
  magnification zoom lens is preferred.
• Ease of Operation All controls should be close
  to the seated operator. Film loading and
  unloading should be easy and all switches should
  be at the operators fingertips.
• Accessible to Persons with Disabilities Persons
  with disabilities should find the microfilm
  scanner easy to use. As mentioned before all
  controls and film loading should be conveniently
  located near the operator. There should be no
  need to stand to reach the controls or for film
  loading and unloading.
• Ease of Viewing A 24 x 24 (609mm x 609mm) is
  about the largest offered in microfilm scanners
  and high quality readers feature screens that are
  angled for effortless viewing. The illumination
  should be automatically adjusted to provide
  optimum light throughout the magnification range
  and all film formats should be accommodated by
  the 360-degree rotation of the carrier.

5
Additional Scanner Features

• Two motor drives with timing belts and pulleys
• DC motors no tachs or encoders, no sensors
• Torque maintained at low speed for smooth
  operation
• Dual ball bearings on reel shafts
• Rotary speed switch for numerous positions
  including fast forward, fast reverse, slow
  forward and slow reverse with a variable speed
  range in the slow position for browsing
• Linear low speed level control from very slow
  through medium browse
• Rotary switch with hands free auto rewind
• Film tension should be maintained at low speeds
  for maintaining good focus during browsing.
• Contact your local document management company
  for more information about their microfilm
  products and what to consider when purchasing a
  microfilm scanner.

6
About the Author

• Kevin D'Arcy is VP of Sales and Marketing for
  MES Hybrid Document Systems, Ontario's leading
  document scanning and document management
  supplier. For more information about microfilm
  scanners, visit http//www.mesltd.ca/.