Library offers digital scanning, remote access to microfilm

People who want to look at old newspapers can save themselves a trip to the Sedalia Public Library, thanks to a new machine.

The library recently received a digital microfilm reader and scanner with a $20,791 grant from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The machine allows patrons to burn images to a CD, e-mail themselves images, save information to a flash drive, print them, or log on remotely to gain access from a home or office computer. Patrons can also connect and copy the images to a digital camera.

“You can do so much more with it,” said Mary Schumaker, secretary at the library. She will run a workshop for patrons at 2 p.m. May 9 to show the new equipment. “It gives them the options to do a lot.”

From a home computer, a patron can call the library and tell Schumaker what reel he wants to view. The system, which acts a bit like an instant messenger system, gives the patron remote control of the scanner, Schumaker said.

Her most often requested item is an obituary, she said, although a few local authors frequent the library in search of historical information.