Imaging and Microfilm Service

Looking for a cost-effective, inexpensive, space saving, long-term storage solutions for your records? Look no further than Imaging and Microfilm Service!

Imaging and Microfilm Service (IMS) staff perform digitizing and microfilming of records for government and non-government entities around Alaska. Concentrating on Alaska History and overseen by the Records and Information Management Service (RIMS), IMS staff work closely with Records Analysts and agencies to review records management needs, disaster recovery options, and cost analysis to provide agency-wide records management solutions. Microfilming and digital imaging are an important part of a systematic, cost-effective approach to preserving public records and making them available for research use or essential records recovery.

IMS operates a number of traditional microfilm cameras, scanners and hybrid film/scanners to accommodate imaging services for public records. In addition, the division utilizes equipment to convert digital records created or received by government agencies to microfilm for permanent or long-term storage. A security vault is also available for storing microforms for disaster recovery and essential records retrieval.

For a full list of services and fees, visit the Fees Schedules page.

For inquires about using one of our services, fill out our Service Inquiry Form.

Services

Consultation

Consultation with state and local governments regarding

microform systems,
conversion of digital images to microfilm,
microfilm to digital images, and
records storage needs.

Microfilming and Digitizing of Source Documents

Preparing records for scanning or microfilming.
Microfilming source documents, 16mm and 35mm.
Digital scanning of source documents (paper, books, photos).
Microfilm duplication, diazo and silver halide, 16mm and 35mm.
Microfiche jacketing and labelling.
Records destruction of source records provided for filming or scanning.

Microfilm Processing, Duplication, and Conversion

Digital scanning of microforms (film, fiche, aperture cards), 16mm and 35mm.
Converting digital files to microfilm, 16mm and 35mm.
Microfilm processing, 16mm and 35mm.
Indexing digital files.

Security Microfilm Vault Storage

Security microform storage provided by RIMS.
Available for disaster recovery and essential record copies in an environmentally controlled vault.

Document Imaging

Electronic document imaging offers many advantages, particularly for storage and retrieval of large amounts of information where quick access is essential. This technology is replacing paper systems in many areas, and can complement or supplement existing micrographics systems. New technologies allow for digitization from paper or micrographic materials into a variety of electronic formats.

Microforms

Microfilming has been a technology of choice for decades, and continues to be an economical long-term storage solution. Microfilming provides inexpensive duplicates for distribution, reduces wear and tear on source records, reduces space use in offices and records centers, and provides disaster backup solutions for essential records. Stored in environmentally controlled conditions, microforms can remain stable for over five hundred years. Regardless of changes in technology, microforms remain a popular and cost effective format for long-term storage of essential records. New technologies also allow electronic information to be output to microfilm, allowing a cost-effective alternative to cloud storage for disaster recovery.

Standards

The Division follows practices and standards set by the Association for Information and Imaging Management (AIIM) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Microfilm standards prescribe appropriate targets, density and resolution, film quality, processing, quality control, camera negatives (security copy), printing negatives (reproduction copy), and use copies.