Microfilm Scanning Services

Microfilm Scanning

Microfilm Scanning Services. With a range of archival and digitization services, HITS can help you organize, consolidate, and preserve data. Microfilm as a medium is a dated data storage technique which means it's more important than ever to secure text and photos on microfiche and microcards. Contact our offices online for a quote or call directly at 314-837-4000 to learn more about our microfilm scanning capabilities and other document services.

Industries That Need Microfilm Scanning Services

Microfilm scanning services have become an essential tool for industries that rely on the preservation and accessibility of important documents. By converting microfilm into digital formats, businesses and institutions can streamline operations, enhance document security, and ensure the longevity of their records. From preserving history to improving workflows, a diverse range of industries find value in this service. This includes:

• Libraries and Archives: Microfilm scanning is critical for libraries and archives looking to protect and share rare books, newspapers, manuscripts, and historical artifacts. Digital conversion minimizes the need to handle fragile originals and make valuable collections more accessible to researchers and the general public. While microfilm is small, digital storage can save a lot of space in a library or archive.
• Legal and Government Agencies: Deeds, court records, tax documents, and other sensitive materials are often stored on microfilm to comply with long-term retention requirements. Scanning these documents improves accessibility and protects them from physical deterioration or loss during, for example, a fire or flood.
• Educational Institutions: Universities, colleges, and schools use microfilm scanning to digitize student records, research archives, and administrative documents. This ensures secure storage, easier retrieval, and better support for both academic and operational needs.
• Corporations and Businesses: Companies rely on microfilm scanning to digitize critical business records like payroll, HR documents, tax information, and financial reports. This transition helps streamline compliance, protects sensitive information, and improves internal workflows.
• Healthcare Providers: In the past, hospitals and clinics often stored patient records, insurance documentation, and medical research on microfilm to save space and secure information. A big part of this is maintaining compliance with health organizations and patient data privacy (HIPAA). Learn more about STR8VIEW® cloud-based document storage built for medical facilities.
• Financial Institutions: Banks and insurance companies use microfilm scanning for contracts, account records, and transaction histories. This reduces storage costs and enhances customer service through faster document retrieval.

Whether preserving history or optimizing modern workflows with fast data retreival, microfilm scanning services improve accessibility and efficiency in the digital age.

What is Microfilm?

Microfilm is a method of storing documents in a miniaturized photographic format on rolls of film or flat sheets known as microfiche. This technique was first developed in the early 20th century as a way to preserve documents in a space-saving, long-lasting medium.

It became widely used for archiving important materials, particularly by libraries, government agencies, and businesses that needed to store large volumes of records without sacrificing valuable space. Over the years, microfilm has been utilized to preserve a wide range of documents, including newspapers, books, legal records, corporate documents, and other archival materials that need to be preserved for historical or compliance reasons.

While digital storage solutions have taken over much of the archival industry, microfilm remains a viable method of record-keeping for many organizations. Its durability and resistance to environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations or magnetic interference, make it a reliable choice for long-term preservation of crucial documents. However, as more businesses and institutions look to streamline their operations and transition to digital formats, converting microfilm into digital documents has become increasingly important.

• 35mm Microfilm: Commonly used for preserving large-format documents such as newspapers, engineering drawings, blueprints, and historical records. Its capacity to store detailed images makes it an ideal choice for archiving large-scale records.
• 16mm Microfilm: Historically used for storing smaller, "loose" documents like business records, invoices, and reports. It provides a compact solution for storing documents while maintaining legibility and ease of access when digitized.
• Microfiche: A flat sheet of film that holds multiple images arranged in a grid format. Typically used for archiving legal documents, bank information, and other essential records, microfiche is ideal for preserving a large number of documents in a small physical space.
• Aperture Cards: Microfilm frames mounted onto punch cards. These cards are often used for archiving engineering drawings, technical schematics, or other blueprints. The physical card format allows for easy handling and indexing of technical materials.
• Roll Film: Continuous reels of microfilm that can store thousands of sequential images. Ideal for archiving extensive collections of related documents, roll film enables efficient storage and retrieval of large volumes of information.
• Cartridge-Based Microfilm: Encased in protective cartridges for easy handling and storage. This format is commonly used in archives and libraries for collections that need to be preserved in a stable, organized manner for long-term accessibility.

While digital formats provide faster access and improved searchability, microfilm still serves as a durable medium that withstands the test of time. HITS can help you digitize boxes or even warehouses full of microfilm records, transforming physical materials into accessible digital assets. Contact our team today for a quote and more information about our services.

The Microfilm Scanning Process

Microfilm and microfiche have been trusted for storing information for years, but as technology evolves, it’s important to convert them into digital files. Microfilm conversion and digitization make it easy to turn rolls of film into clear, digital files that are simple to store, search, and share. In the same way, microfiche conversion and microfiche digitization help preserve card-based records while making them easier to access and manage in today’s digital world.

Microfilm scanning is a detailed and meticulous procedure to protect document integrity and long-term preservation. Below are a few of the common steps HITS would take to ensure data security and management:

1. Assessment: The process begins with a thorough examination of the microfilm to evaluate its condition, type, and any unique characteristics. This step determines the best scanning equipment and techniques to use. For older or fragile microfilm, specialized handling methods may be required to prevent damage during scanning.
2. Preparation: Microfilm is carefully cleaned to remove dust, debris, and other contaminants that could compromise image quality. The film is also organized and inspected for any physical issues like tears or scratches.
3. Scanning: The microfilm is digitized at high resolution. Most scanning processes involve Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, which converts text into searchable and editable digital files. This step ensures that the final output captures every detail while making sure its easy to retrieve specific information.
4. Quality Control: Each image is reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and alignment. Any errors or inconsistencies are corrected to ensure the final files meet the highest standards. Indexing is another important step to make sure documents are organized correctly and searchable.
5. Output Options and Deliverables: Files are then delivered in the format best suited to the client’s needs. Common file formats include PDF, TIFF, and JPEG (JPG) that can be indexed and searched from your device of choice.

Each step of the microfilm scanning process is essential for transforming physical records and films into reliable, high-quality digital assets. By following a structured and professional workflow, organizations can preserve their information for generations while improving accessibility and efficiency in document management.

Why HITS for Microfilm Scanning Near You?

HITS has more than 25 years of experience in information management. Our capabilities cross all sectors of public, private, and federal sectors. We provide agency compliance with the FTC, ISO 9000, and other regulations. It's our job to protect and preserve your information in accessible forms for future use. You can contact us online for a quote or give us a call at 314-837-4000 to learn more about microfilm scanning and our other services.