[or-roots] film and fische

[Aloha Analanie]

About twelve years ago I bought the desktop
Micofishe/Microfilm reader/printer that I'd coveted
for years.  Next I ordered the complete set of family
tree records and the Genealogical Helper archives on
microfishe.  For a year I strained my eyes and
patience searching through record after record; but
still it was a big step up from the library stacks or
moldy courthouse basements.  Then I discovered digital
imagery; not only more readable images, but searchable
databases!  The boxes of microfishe and rolls of
microfilm gathered dust on a shelf in the basement
while I discovered computers.  Five years ago I packed
up the reader/printer and donated it to the local
school.  Two years ago they tucked it into the
warehouse that serves as interim storage between
school and the landfill.

Digital imaging has replaced microfilming in the same
way that digital photography has replaced polaroid.
New data is being preserved through digital scanning,
and even microfilm and microfische images are being
digitized because film deteriorates and digital
storage is stable. I doubt that UofO School of Nursing
bought a new reader/printer.  Why would they?

Aloha


		
__________________________________ 
Yahoo! Messenger 
Show us what our next emoticon should look like. Join the fun. 
http://www.advision.webevents.yahoo.com/emoticontest