Digitizing microfilm collections improves access, supports research, and preserves history. Learn how the ScanPro Film to Future Grant can help your library take the next step toward digital access.
Ready to Go Digital? The ScanPro® Film to Future Grant Can Help
Libraries have spent decades preserving history on microfilm. Now, many are taking the next step—making those collections easier to access through digitization.
Whether it's historical newspapers, local records, university publications, or archival documents, digitizing microfilm helps libraries improve access, support research, and create searchable digital records for today's users.
At e-ImageData, we understand that upgrading microfilm equipment is a significant investment. That's why we introduced the ScanPro Film to Future Grant at ALA Annual 2026—to help one qualifying library take the next step toward digitizing its microfilm collections.
Why More Libraries Are Going Digital
Microfilm remains one of the most trusted formats for long-term preservation, but today's library patrons expect more than simply viewing film on a reader.
Researchers want to quickly locate information, save digital copies, email documents, and create searchable files for future reference. Staff want workflows that improve efficiency while continuing to preserve valuable historical collections.
Modern microfilm scanning technology makes all of this possible by helping libraries:
- Improve access to historical collections
- Create searchable digital files with OCR
- Save, print, and share documents more easily
- Support genealogy and local history research
- Preserve valuable collections while expanding digital access
Going digital doesn't replace preservation—it enhances it by making collections easier to discover, use, and share.
Supporting Libraries Through the ScanPro Film to Future Grant
For decades, e-ImageData has partnered with libraries to help preserve and provide access to historical collections.
The ScanPro Film to Future Grant reflects our commitment to supporting libraries as they continue modernizing their microfilm services.
The grant will award one qualifying library a new ScanPro microfilm scanner, helping improve access to its collections while supporting the evolving needs of patrons, researchers, students, and community members.
Whether your library is replacing aging equipment, expanding digital services, or improving the research experience, we encourage you to apply.
Take the Next Step Toward Digital Access
If your library has been planning to digitize its microfilm collections, now is the perfect time to apply.
Applications for the ScanPro Film to Future Grant are open through September 30, 2026.
Visit the ScanPro Film to Future Grant page to learn more about eligibility, application requirements, and important dates.
We look forward to learning more about your library, your collections, and how a new ScanPro system could help improve access for your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should libraries digitize microfilm?
Digitizing microfilm helps libraries improve access to historical collections by making documents easier to search, save, share, and preserve. It also enhances the research experience for patrons while supporting long-term preservation goals.
What are the benefits of digitizing microfilm collections?
Digitized microfilm collections allow libraries to create searchable files with OCR, improve access to historical records, streamline workflows, and make valuable information easier for researchers and community members to use.
Can microfilm be converted into searchable digital files?
Yes. Modern microfilm scanners can create high-quality digital images that support OCR (Optical Character Recognition), allowing users to search for words and phrases within digitized documents.
What is the ScanPro Film to Future Grant?
Introduced at ALA Annual 2026, the ScanPro Film to Future Grant is an initiative from e-ImageData designed to help one qualifying library improve access to its microfilm collections with a new ScanPro microfilm scanner.
Who can apply?
The grant is open to qualifying public, academic, and special libraries. Visit the ScanPro Film to Future Grant page for complete eligibility requirements.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are open through September 30, 2026.
Where can I learn more or apply?
Visit the ScanPro Film to Future Grant page for complete program details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions.