document scanning, archive preservation, microfilm and microfiche scanning

MicroFormat » Archive & Library

For more than thirty-five years, the requirements of archivists and librarians around the world have informed the growth of our specialised services. Our innovative approach to the handling of historic paper-based records has earned us a reputation for quality and attention to detail of which we are proud.

MicroFormat is Europe’s leading specialist in preservation microfilming. The techniques that we have developed and the experience that we have gathered serve us well as we extend our facilities for digital imaging. The microfilming and scanning of bound volumes, newspapers, manuscript and large single items are supported by a full range of duplicating and film-digitising facilities. For example, our unique method for the conversion of roll-film to microfiche is widely used by archives to make parish register work more readily accessible in the searchroom.

We are especially pleased to offer a service, independently developed by MicroFormat, that will successfully deal with the difficulties of duplicating acetate-based film affected by vinegar syndrome, a massively destructive phenomenon that will affect all pre-1985 microfilm and cine-film collections in time.

Although the use of microfilm as a retrieval medium is often overshadowed by the greater flexibility offered through digitising, it is still highly regarded as a low-cost, low-technology vehicle for certain types of record. But there is no doubt that its great strength is in its traditional and proven role as the one means of ensuring archival permanence in surrogate form. By simultaneously providing a stable platform for digital conversion, the complementary nature of the two media is clearly demonstrated.

MicroFormat » News

Vinegar Syndrome - Read »

microformat uk ltd, image house, 344 high street, rochester, kent, me1 1je

MicroFormat » Document scanning, data entry, archive preservation, microfilm, microfiche scanning and OCR (Optical Character Recognition)Our scanning bureau provides a complete document scanning and data entry service.We are also experts in microfilm and microfiche, and offer microfilm scanning and microfiche scanning for those who require digital imaging of existing records.MicroFormat has thirty-five years' experience of supplying archive preservation, document management and indexing services. Our bureau is based in Rochester, Kent, providing quality service to UK and international customers.MicroFormat is part of the MicroFormat Group bv, Netherlands.MicroFormat » Optical Character Recognition (OCR)MicroFormat now offer a fully professional OCR service.Optical Character Recognition, usually abbreviated to OCR, is a type of computer software designed to translate images of handwritten or typewritten text (usually captured by a scanner) into machine-editable text, or to translate pictures of characters into a standard encoding scheme representing them (e.g. ASCII or Unicode). OCR began as a field of research in pattern recognition, artificial intelligence and machine vision. Though academic research in the field continues, the focus on OCR has shifted to implementation of proven techniques.Optical character recognition (using optical techniques such as mirrors and lenses) and digital character recognition (using scanners and computer algorithms) were originally considered separate fields. Because very few applications survive that use true optical techniques, the optical character recognition term has now been broadened to cover digital character recognition as well.Early systems required training (the provision of known samples of each character) to read a specific font. "Intelligent" systems with a high degree of recognition accuracy for most fonts are now common. Some systems are even capable of reproducing formatted output that closely approximates the original scanned page including images, columns and other non-textual components.MicroFormat » NewsVinegar Syndrome now affecting post-war microfilm
MicroFormat announce that significant progress has been made towards a solution to the difficulties confronting archivists and librarians with deteriorating microfilm and cine-film collections in their care.

During the late 1990s most of the world’s national libraries and archives identified a process of decay within their microfilm and motion-picture collections: They were confronted by VINEGAR SYNDROME (VS), a destructive mechanism that attacks cellulose acetate-based photographic film. As all such material produced in the post-war years up to 1985 was of this type, the film of the period will fall prey to it.

Acetate-based film is now generally acknowledged to have a ‘safe’ life span of between forty and fifty years. However, over that time, the acidity level may gradually rise and, at the autocatalytic point, breakdown will accelerate rapidly and irreversibly to total destruction.

Aside from monitoring the acid content via proprietary means, the first indication of the presence of VS is, as the name suggests, the distinctive smell of vinegar emanating from the film.

Once VS has been positively identified, if not before, immediate action should be taken to slow the rate of decay or, better still, to make copies in another form and one that is recognised as having the stability necessary for archival retention.

An international committee, chaired by the British Library and comprised of representatives from the national libraries of Wales and Scotland, the university libraries of Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale and Princeton, the Library of Congress, New York Public Library, the National Archives in England and others was convened to investigate the threat that VS poses for the worldwide archive and library community.

Their recommendation is that the duplication of acetate film onto modern polyester-based film should be urgently considered as the only course capable of providing a viable long-term future. Especially is this so where VS has been positively identified and deterioration is under way.

The key elements in the development of VS are the gradual destruction of the photo-sensitive emulsion and an increasing brittleness of the acetate base. These characteristics make the use of modern high-speed duplicating equipment a risky undertaking. For this specifically 21st century problem MicroFormat could see that it was necessary to provide a 21st century solution; after two years in-house research and investment, we have introduced a sensitive duplicating technique that provides a completely stress-free method of coping with the physical problems associated with deteriorating film. Extensive system trials, run with the full co-operation of the British Library, have been completely successful and we now offer our unique service to archivists and librarians around the world.

Vinegar Syndrome is a catastrophe in the making…the early stages are already upon us and the threat to surrogate collections around the world should not be underestimated.

Contact us now to learn the current thinking about VS and to hear of the MicroFormat solution.MicroFormat » ScanningMicroFormat removes the burden of in-house scanning and data entry.We specialise in processing high volumes of paper documents quickly, efficiently and to uncompromising quality standards. We are experts in the handling and digitisation of archival material.We deliver images and data in the customer's preferred format. We supply documents online or on CDs containing all the tools to retrieve, view and print. The customer receives the benefits of electronic document management without the need for complex and expensive systems.We have a wide range of equipment able to handle every requirement: From the latest high-volume scanners to specialised large format book-scanning equipment to record material to archival standards.Commercial & GovernmentMicroFormat removes the burden of in-house scanning and data entry.We specialise in processing high volumes of paper documents quickly, efficiently and to uncompromising quality standards.We deliver images and data in the customer's preferred format. We supply documents online or on CDs, DVDs or portable hard drives.The customer receives the benefits of electronic document management without the need for complex and expensive systems. Documents can be shared, published to the web or archived for legal compliance.We have a wide range of equipment able to handle every requirement: From the latest high-volume colour scanners to specialised large format book-scanning equipment.Archive & LibraryFor more than thirty-five years, the requirements of archivists and librarians around the world have informed the growth of our specialised services. Our innovative approach to the handling of historic paper-based records has earned us a reputation for quality and attention to detail of which we are proud.MicroFormat is Europe’s leading specialist in preservation microfilming. The techniques that we have developed and the experience that we have gathered serve us well as we extend our facilities for digital imaging. The microfilming and scanning of bound volumes, newspapers, manuscript and large single items are supported by a full range of duplicating and film-digitising facilities. For example, our unique method for the conversion of roll-film to microfiche is widely used by archives to make parish register work more readily accessible in the searchroom.We are especially pleased to offer a service, independently developed by MicroFormat, that will successfully deal with the difficulties of duplicating acetate-based film affected by vinegar syndrome, a massively destructive phenomenon that will affect all pre-1985 microfilm and cine-film collections in time.Although the use of microfilm as a retrieval medium is often overshadowed by the greater flexibility offered through digitising, it is still highly regarded as a low-cost, low-technology vehicle for certain types of record. But there is no doubt that its great strength is in its traditional and proven role as the one means of ensuring archival permanence in surrogate form. By simultaneously providing a stable platform for digital conversion, the complementary nature of the two media is clearly demonstrated.MicroFormat » Commercial & GovernmentMicroFormat has over thirty-five years of experience in large volume records conversion to both analogue and digital formats.We are one of the few suppliers able to offer both microfilming and scanning.Microfilm continues to play a role in all forms of information management and records management, particularly where archival permanence or legal admissibility are critical.MicroFormat has a reputation for quality and service, underpinned by our ISO2001 accreditation.We cover the entire records management spectrum in both the private and public sectors, with emphasis on healthcare, government and privatised public utilities.MicroFormat » About UsMicroFormat is a leading scanning bureau and data entry service.We are one of the few companies also able to supply microfilm and microfiche, and offer microfilm scanning and microfiche scanning for those who require digital conversion of existing records.Our customers range throughout the public and private sectors: Government, local authorities, libraries, healthcare and commercial amongst many others - anyone with a need to preserve their information.We have thirty-five years' experience of supplying document management and indexing services. Our bureau is based in Rochester, Kent, providing quality service to UK and international customers.MicroFormat is a Kodak document conversion centre, and we are registered with the Office of the Information Commissioner as a data controller under the Data Protection Act 1984.MicroFormat is part of the MicroFormat Group BV, Netherlands.History2006 MicroFormat UK Ltd celebrates 35 years of service2001 MicroFormat secures the contract for the Newsplan project1999 The subsidiary company M & M is fully integrated with MicroFormat1998 The company merges with the Dutch company MicroFormat BV and registers a change of name to MicroFormat UK Ltd1997 A full scanning service is offered with the installation of a Kodak document scanning system1995 The Profile Group takes over the Intamill microfilm bureau, registers it as Medical & Municipal Microfilming Ltd (M & M), and introduces digital capture onto CD1994 The company achieves certification for the quality system standard BS:5750 (now ISO9001:2000)1971 The original company Profile Microfilming is formed MicroFormat » Contact UsUK office
MicroFormat UK Ltd
Image House
344 High Street
Rochester
Kent
ME5 8PW
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1634 813751
Fax: +44 (0)1634 831557
www.microformat.co.uk
enquiries@microformat.co.uk
Netherlands office
MicroFormat Systems BV
Heereweg 331
Postbus 287
2160 AG Lisse
Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)252 432100
Fax: +31 (0)252 432101
www.microformat.nl
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