It is *not* "the best of all possible worlds" but microfilm splicing does happen. I know the archival websites say you should not do it and advocate digitizing, ordering replacement film or having your film heat-melded by a specialty company...but realistically and financially, it is just not always possible to do any of those 3 things, so splicing does occur.
It is nearly 9 years into my career as a serials serf we ran out of splicing tape...! Trying to find a vendor that manufactures splicing tape is nigh to impossible. After trying the previous two vendors that we had used and finding that they had callously gone out of business in the intervening time period since our last order, we located a source. There were no prices on the website -- which is scary enough. Then when we did get a hold of a live person and found out the prices....we were indeed in "shock and awe" of the cost. Unfortunately, we had to order supplies from them since they are the only one we could find -- to the tune of $65 for 1000 splicing tapes....plus shipping and handling of course. Here's hoping we never run out again...!
Posts
1 comment:
The cost of digitizing or scanning the microfilm has come down substantially in recent years, and may be more affordable than you might think.
A few things to consider:
- Are records are permanent documents that you are going to need to maintain for the long term. Microfilm was initially expected to last for up to 100 years, but we have seen microfilm deteriorate in as little as 10 years if it is not stored in "ideal conditions"
- It will cost about $7,000 to purchase a new microfilm reader printer and then another $1,000 per year (or so) to maintain that reader printer
- Plus, reader printers are bulky and take up a lot of space
16MM Microfilm can now be scanned for as little as $.01 per image.
Once the rolls are scanned your users will be able to review the records directly from computers and print necessary pages as needed.
- The records will be preserved for the long term with no further risk for deterioration
- The cost of maintaining the reader printer will be completely avoided
- You total investment over a 5 year period will actually be less than the cost of purchasing and maintaining a microfilm reader printer. Digital Film Solutions specializes in working on these types of projects and they have been a great success.
We scan microfilm, microfiche and aperture cards. You can learn more about our services at www.digitalfilmsolutions.com
Josh
www.digitalfilmsolutions.com
866-609-4337
Post a Comment