FAQS RELATING TO MICROFILMS

Q : MICROFILMING is an old technology. Why should we go in for this?
A : Yes you are right. Microfilm is an old establised technology. Internationally microfilms continue to be the most appropriate media for preservation & archiving of important and rare documents. The reason being that microfilms have a life of more than 500 years. Microfilms are a secure media, as information cannot be tampered with. Microfilms save more than 99% storage space. The most significant advantage is that it is technology obsolescence and virus proof. It obviates the need for data migration with every new storage medium. It is accepted as a primary legal evidence in court of law.

Q : Digital Technology is latest for preservation, storage & retrieval of information?
A : Digital Technology is being extensively used for documentation. As you are aware the storage media changes every few years. Remember, there were 8 inch and 5-1/4 inch floppies. Today - there is no system which has a compatible drive. Besides digital media is subject to easy corruption resulting in data loss. Even DVDs have a limited span of life and need careful handling - whereas microfilm can be read with the help of simple hand held device even after 100 years.

Q : Microfilms can not be produced as primary legal evidence in Court of Law.
A : Under the Information Technology Act 2000 microfilms can be produced as primary legal evidence in Court of Law.

Q : Microfilming is very expensive.
A : It is a misconception that microfilms are expensive. If a A4 Size document is microfilmed by a service bureau the normal charges are Rs. 2.50/- per A4 document. In case, the volumes are large the rates can come down substantially.

Q : How and where can both microfilms and digital technologies be used?
A : Hybrid Imaging is the latest trend .Depending on the nature of documents a combination of the two technologies can be used. Current documents that are required to be distributed to many people and for a limited period can be converted to digital media. Documents that are required to be preserved for a longer duration and are of important and secure nature should be microfilmed. Documents once microfilmed cannot be tampered. Microfilms last for over 100 years.

Q. Can existing microfilms be digitized ?
A : Yes, there are devices available that can scan the microfilms and the data can be converted to digital format.