Microfilm Collection UWI Mona: Digitizing Microfilm

Why You Should Convert Your Microfilm Files To Digital

Digitizing microfilm is the process of scanning images and  the conversion of said images stored on microfilm into high-resolution digital files.  This usually involves the use of specialized scanners to capture high quality images of each frame on the microfilm which can then be saved in formats like PDF, JPEG,  or TIFF. These digital versions can then be indexed and made available online, allowing researchers with accessibility, and also preserving the information without needing the original film or a microfilm reader.

1. Preservation of Fragile Materials

• Microfilm degrades over time due to environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and handling.
• Digitization helps prevent loss of information by creating high-quality digital surrogates that can be preserved indefinitely.

  2. Enhanced Accessibility

• Digitized microfilm enables remote access, eliminating the need for in-person visits to archives or libraries.
• With the addition of Optical Character Recognition (OCR), users can easily search for specific terms or information within the digital content.

     3. Disaster Recovery

• Digital backups safeguard valuable content from risks such as natural disasters, theft, or accidental damage to original microfilm.
• They help ensure continued access even if the physical collection is lost or compromised.