Author Archive
Evaluating the zeta Book Scanner: A Student’s Study
November for Crowley Conversions is all about measurable results. Last week, we compared the Mekel Technology microfilm and microfiche scanners to competitive models and found measurable ROI. This week, we’re reviewing a blog written by Sascha Foerster. In it, he compares the Zeutschel zeta book copy and scan system to other methods used to scan a historic file collection. From German Post-War studies to German engineering As background, Foerster is a doctoral candidate at the University of Bonn’s Center for…
Scanner Comparisons Lead to Measurable ROI
Two weeks ago, I read an insightful blog post by ECM Connection executive editor Ken Congdon. The topic was how to manage end-of-life scanning hardware. It was written on the premise that as technology advances, older scanners – which are still productive but are no longer produced – may outlive their spare parts inventory and maintenance options. The article contained three main bits of advice: don’t roll the dice; plan for the inevitable; and consider leasing and outsourcing as a viable option….
Patron vs. Production Scanners: Which Type do You Need?
Our favorite kinds of blogs to write are those sparked by user feedback. Last week, we received an email from a client who had purchased Mekel Technology microfilm and microfiche scanners over 12 years ago and is now looking to purchase a new unit (a testament to the Mekels’ long life span; typical industry turnover is estimated at 3-5 years). He saw that we also offer the UScan+ Universal Film (UF) series scanner and wanted to know if that model…
Donations Fund Newspaper Archive Scanning Project
Editor’s note: We love when blogs write themselves. In this case, credit goes to Eric Mease of the Historical Society of Cecil County and Maryland’s Cecil Whig, one of the country’s oldest newspapers, for an article published earlier this week. The article featured a newspaper digitization project for which Crowley Imaging performed the scanning. Microfilm images were digitized using the Mekel Technology MACH5 rollfilm scanner and the fragile bound newspapers were scanned using Zeutschel overhead scanners. The archived newspapers dated…
Split-Coast Debut: Unveiling the InoTec 8X1 Across the U.S.
October is officially here and we are just a few short weeks away from the U.S. debut of the InoTec SCAMAX 8×1-series ultra high-performance document scanner. After making its first appearance at CeBIT in Germany, InoTec’s home country, the 8×1-series is now making its way to the U.S. As InoTec’s exclusive North American distributor, we want to give our continent a proper introduction to the 8×1, so we are planning not one, but two debut events. Why the Hype? The…
Digitizing the Lawson Love Letters
They saw each other nine times and on the ninth, it was their wedding day. And as odd as it may sound, Audrey Ann Hoffman and William A. (Bill) Lawson were hardly strangers. After 30 months of courtship and 600 typed and handwritten letters, they knew each other so well that what might seem a leap of faith today was just another step forward for the couple that met through the dare of a friend. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson celebrated…
Vintage Viewing: Microform Reader Printers in the Home
We recently spoke to a Crowley Imaging client who had a microform reader printer at home for the sole recreational purpose of reading old/out-of-print science fiction on microfiche. (For the layperson, a reader printer is a device used to magnify and view microfilm, microfiche, or other type of microform.) As we typically work in the corporate/public domain, this personal use intrigued us. How many others use microform at home? For what purpose? Where do they get the media? And the…
Anticipating ARMA
The InoTec SCAMAX 8×1 Debuts At Crowley, we can’t wait for October 25th. That’s the day we get our hands on the SCAMAX® 8×1 Ultra High-Performance Document Scanner and get to dig in deep. “I’ve always been impressed with the throughput and sorting of the InoTec document scanners, especially the 400-series,” says Crowley Vice President Matt McCabe. “But I operated the 8×1 in Germany earlier this year and cannot wait to bring it to the North American market. It’s an incredible…
Digitization Discoveries: Uncovering a Skeleton at Penn
There are many reasons to digitize collections. Museums and archives primarily digitize for preservation purposes. Government entities and commercial institutions digitize for preservation and to improve records management functions. Libraries may digitize to provide enhanced media and online research access. What is often surprising about digitization projects are the hidden gems uncovered when bringing forgotten or misplaced materials to light. This is exactly the sort of unexpected revelation recently experienced by the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Museum of Archaeology and…
Service Bureau Walkabout
In need of a little blog inspiration today, I went to the one location in our Frederick, Md. headquarters that always makes me happy – our Crowley Imaging service bureau. While I’m intrigued by the equipment, manufacturing and technical sides of our business, my artsy right brain loves taking the 26 steps from my desk to the threshold of our imaging division. That 27th step never fails to transport me from desk jockey to treasure hunter. The lights are always…