What type of original records have been preserved for several lifetimes on microfilm? Since the medium was first used to capture vital documents in the mid-1800s, uncountable billions of pages of irreplaceable information have been archived to microfilm. The invention of microfilm has allowed for the preservation of critical records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, land titles, newspapers, and various government documents, making it an essential tool for historical and administrative purposes.
In the 1920s, a New York City banker named George McCarthy was issued a patent for his process for the permanent storage of canceled cheques and other financial instruments. This innovation led to a broader acceptance of microfilm technology for capturing and preserving original records of all types. Over the ensuing years, many city, municipal, and provincial governments used microfilm as their primary method of archiving a myriad of records.
However, starting in the 1990s, the archival landscape began to shift. The rise of digital technology presented new opportunities for preserving and distributing information. Many organizations that had relied on microfilm began exploring digitization as a more modern and efficient solution. Micro Com Systems, a Vancouver-based company, recognized this trend and began investing in the necessary technologies to facilitate the conversion of microfilm to digital formats.
Initially, the transition was slow, but as new equipment and technologies emerged, it became possible to reliably and efficiently convert microfilm to digital information. Micro Com Systems first purchased microfilm digitization equipment in 1998 and has continually upgraded its capabilities. Today, the company boasts a fleet of eight Sunrise microfilm digitizers, allowing them to handle any volume of microfilm, microfiche, and aperture cards efficiently and at a reasonable cost.
Despite 26 years of dedicated efforts to convert and digitize microfilm, the team at Micro Com Systems acknowledges that they have barely scratched the surface in terms of the total amount of microfilm still in existence. This ongoing endeavor is vital not only for preserving historical records but also for improving accessibility and efficiency in information management.
As the world continues to move towards digital solutions, the work done by companies like Micro Com Systems ensures that invaluable records stored on microfilm are not left behind. The ability to scan and digitize microfilm ensures these records remain accessible for future generations, thereby safeguarding our historical and administrative heritage.
