Sionnie Kelly with Shepparton News in Australia reports on the Shepparton Library's new ScanPro microfilm scanner.

September 18, 2017 - Those eager to find out more about their family history can do so with the new ScanPro® microfilm reader at Shepparton library.

The device, which can read microfilm and microfiche, was bought by Shepparton Family History Group as a replacement to the former scanner.

Shepparton Family History Group’s Bruce Manson said the $20,000 scanner was a great asset for those wanting to learn more about their family through microfilm versions of old newspapers.

Newspapers which have been preserved on microfilm can now be scanned into a computer and printed out as a reference for people.

‘‘We asked to have it put in the library because the family history rooms are only open to the public half days a week plus every second Sunday and we wanted this for the wider community to use,’’ Mr Manson said.

‘‘We want everyone to use it and people have been using it already. It’s an excellent machine, it does just about everything but talk to you.’’

Shepparton Library has resources in microfilm and microfiche and members of the public are welcome to bring in their own resources.

Shepparton Library team leader, Melissa Black, said they were super excited to have the scanner.

‘‘The old machine had reached the end of its life and it was very frustrating, you couldn’t print, it was almost impossible to use,’’ she said.

Ms. Black said Goulburn Valley Libraries believed it was important to supply the public with technology such as this so people could continue to research their family history.

The group was thankful to Fairley Foundation, Connected Communities, Greater Shepparton City Council, Goulburn Valley Libraries and Friends of Shepparton Library for helping to raise the money needed to buy the scanner.

A launch to celebrate the new ScanPro microfilm reader will be held at Shepparton Library, 41-43 Marungi St, on Friday at 2pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend and will be shown how to use the scanner.

An afternoon tea will be supplied by Friends of Shepparton Library.

For bookings and information, contact Melissa Black on 1300 374 765 orshepparton@gvrlc.vic.gov.au

Shepparton Family History Group is near Shepparton Heritage Centre, 154 Welsford St, Shepparton, Australia.

It is open every Wednesday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4pm and the first and third Friday of each month from 9am to noon.

To view the interview please click this link:

http://www.sheppnews.com.au/2017/09/18/110136/revealing-your-family-history#