Why Do We Still Need Microfilm?

摘要

I love digitization! I have used digitization to share interesting or vital information online, and I recognize its importance in providing access to archival materials that would be damaged by handling. As a backup medium, it can be very useful as well. However attractive digitization may be in our current technological environment, I value its hardworking counterpart, microfilm, even more highly. Why is microfilm still relevant? It may not seem obvious at first, since we have been told that digitization has replaced microfilm as the more current and valuable media. Part of the popularity of digital images is in increased speed and ease of access to current data for public consumption (e.g., Public Information Act requests). Part of its success is also due to the power of technological advance to woo us into new markets, and we have been wooed very well. What if all your historical records were digitized? Doesn't this sound like the proper tech savvy way to manage valuable records for the indefinite future?