They say that we’re doomed to repeat history if we do not study and understand it. Until the past couple of decades—and even to today—much of history was recorded on paper documents. Historical archives, corporations, governments, businesses, research institutions, universities, family history organizations, and libraries of all kinds have carefully stored microfilm and microfiche versions of critical documents for viewing. With many personal archive and library visits curtailed due to pandemic precautions, these documents must become digitally available research and work can continue remotely. If your institution is looking for the best microfilm scanner, it’s important to ask these five questions to ensure you get the best value for your budget.
1. Can it do everything we need it to do?
You may have records stored in a variety of formats, and you need one solution that can best scan and digitize all of them. Some of the most common formats that institutions need to have scanned for digital use include microfilm, aperture cards and microfiche. While other scanners on the market may be able to handle one or two types, ScanPro can handle all of these and more. It reliably and clearly scans all types of micrographic media so that you’ll only need one scanner. It makes the most economic sense, and it will be far more convenient for researchers, institutions and businesses that want to standardize how their micrographic media documents are scanned and saved for the future.
2. How reliable is it?
When dealing with delicate historical microfilm, microfiche and others, you need a scanner that works every time. Students have deadlines, businesses are on the clock, and researchers are often in a race to find answers to questions buried within those micrographic documents. ScanPro microfilm scanners are famous for reliability, which makes them the industry standard for digitizing micrographic documentation. Built with heavy-gauge steel with smooth ball-bearing movement and motors that institutions praise for workhorse reliability, e-ImageData ScanPro products produce clear image quality after years of scanning millions of images.
3. How consistently does it produce high quality images?
It's normal for a ScanPro microfilm scanner, scanning hundreds of documents a week and thousands of documents a month or more, to produce the same high-quality digital image of the original micrographic media as it did on the very first day. Some other key benefits include quick and accurate media positioning each time for a perfect, easy-to-read scan. Additional features like wide-range optical zoom, image focus capabilities help researchers discover things that might have been missed previously. Automatic film scanning makes the process quick and easy for high-volume scanning projects, and the ScanPro uses a surprisingly low amount of energy daily. ScanPro products are also quiet enough to operate full-bore at the library without disturbing your noise-sensitive patrons.
4. How easy is it to use?
Unlike other microfilm scanners, ScanPro is coupled with a powerful software package called PowerScan, a Windows app that your patrons, clients and employees will find intuitive to use. This reduces the time it takes to learn how to use the system, even for first time users. This is critical when research is on a time crunch. The Film Selection Wizard creates and automatic setup that makes the process a snap, and also allows you to add custom photo icons and links to your institution’s applications for a smooth process. On-screen help and look-up features make it easy to get answers to common questions. No other product on the market has these powerful, time-saving tools. If your institution needs a microfilm scanner that is up and running quickly with a minimum of hassle and no wasted time, e-Image Data’s ScanPro with PowerScan is the combination you need to save time and avoid headaches.
5.Can we get a demo before we buy it?
You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a test drive first, and with such an important piece of institutional equipment, you should always be able to get a complete demo that shows you what you can expect and how to get the most out of your microfilm scanner. Be sure to contact us today and let’s talk about your microfilm scanning needs and how ScanPro can perform for you.