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In This Issue

news @ your library

February 28, 2013
Vol. 13, No. 2

A Micro Scanner with Major Research Potential

The Library unveiled a new micro scanner this week — a machine that will enable researchers to conduct more powerful research when consulting micro materials.

The ScanPro 2000 is a micro scanner with automated scanning and optical character recognition (OCR) functionality that allows researchers to quickly scan micro materials and search for keywords.

The ScanPro 2000 micro scanner

"The most exciting thing about the ScanPro is the ability to automate microfilm scanning," says History graduate student, Jonathan Crossen. "You can load a roll of microfilm, and with a few clicks of the mouse, it will scan page after page all on its own."

Even very poor microfilm text can be scanned quickly and then turned into readable text by the OCR software for use by researchers.

“The word search function can quickly locate and present relevant terms from pages of micro documents, newspapers, archival Finding Aids, plans, or any material in micro format,” says Head of Special Collections, Susan Mavor.

This advanced OCR software and integration with a microform scanner is not currently available with Library’s other scanners.

In addition to its scanning and searching functionality, the ScanPro 2000 also enables researchers to:

The micro scanner was funded by the Graduate Studies Endowment Fund (GSEF) and the Library. History graduate students Jill Campbell-Miller and Jonathan Crossen pitched the project in conjunction with Susan Mavor and Pascal Calarco from the Library. They worked with Robbie Henderson from the Graduate Student Association to complete the GSEF application.

This new micro scanner is available alongside other micro readers in the micro format area on the first floor of Dana Porter Library. We hope that researchers enjoy the advantages this machine offers them when conducting research with micro materials.

For more information, contact:


Manager, Circulation Services, Collections
Ext. 33168

, Communications and Liaison Librarian
, Co-ordinator, Library Communications and Web Management
, Assistant, Library Communications and Web Development

June 25, 2013