Imaging and Microfilming

Even the best managed paper records can still create records management problems and might require reformatting to fix them. Reformatting converts records from one format into a different format. Imaging (i.e., “scanning” or “digitizing”) and microfilming are the most common methods used to reformat records. Use imaging when you need to improve access to records, and microfilm when you need to reduce storage or create a preservation copy. Imaging and microfilming complement each other and should ideally be pursued together: film can be created from digital images and serve as backup copies, and digital images can be created from good quality microfilm. If a records management program pursues both options together, it will be in a good position to provide efficient access to records while also making sure that the records will be preserved.