Microfilm scanners

At present, I know of three microfilm scanners with the capability
to convert microfilm frames to digital images at an appropriate
level of quality.  The companies are Mekel, Sunrise, and Minolta.
Choosing among these scanners is a complex matter that begins with a
consideration of the characteristics of the microfilm and the
original source materials. Additionally it is important to
understand the technical capabilities of the machine, the
value-added hardware, software, and firmware that various companies
have or are developing for these machines, the cost of the entire
conversion system, throughput speed and accuracy, technical support
requirements, skill levels required for operations, and a host of
other matters.  Finally, the question begged by the first sentence
of this posting is: what is an appropriate level of quality? Answers
to this question factor in the intended uses of the image system,
the limitations of technology and time, and the long-term access
requirements of the system and the image data it contains.  At the
nexus of source characteristics, technology, system value is a
digital conversion approach that may meet your needs--if you can
afford it.

Paul Conway
Head, Preservation Department
Yale University Library
P.O. Box 208240/130 Wall Street
New Haven, CT  06520
203-432-1714
Fax: 203-432-7231

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:23
                Distributed: Tuesday, September 9, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-23-003
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