Microfilm Digitization
Lee Dirks (mailto:Lee_Dirks@OCLC.ORG)
Sat, 18 Mar 1995 14:33:46 EDT
Message-Id: <mailto:199503182334.RAA13318@library.wustl.edu>
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 14:33:46 EDT
From: Lee Dirks <mailto:Lee_Dirks@OCLC.ORG>
Subject: Microfilm Digitization
To: Multiple recipients of list IMAGELIB
Message:
To all of those folks who have been discussing the digitization of
microfilm, I wanted to add a few comments. I work for a non-profit
preservation microfilming firm, but we are also beginning to offer
digitization (of microfilm) services. To the gentleman who inquired
about using scanning for the preservation of library materials from
Northwestern, I just wanted to offer a word of caution: digitizing
film is not a preservation option just yet! It is an unstable,
impermanent medium that is best currently used for purposes of
access. Until that changes, I think most would agree that
high-quality preservation microfilm is a safer option for preserving
documents. That said, however, in that a scanned image defrays the
actual usage of an item (while enhancing access), it is certainly an
attractive option.
In reference to the b&w v. grayscale issue: for text, b&w film
scanned bi-level is suitable. For images, however, neither are
terribly attractive. My company has a Continuous Tone Filming (CTF)
microfilming process which can capture 17 to 18 steps on a 19 step
grey-scale and which is proving to scan exceptionally well using
8-bit b&w scanning. I mention it as an option to consider.
-Lee Dirks (of Preservation Resources, Bethlehem, PA; (800) 773-7222)