The Milton-Union Public Library’s newspaper microfilm collection and the Weekly Record Herald papers from 2008 through May 2011 have been digitized and the results are back at the library. Patrons may request to look at one CD at a time in-house on one of the word processing computers. Printing is available for 10¢ per page.
“Funds from several book sales, rummage sales and a $1,000 grant from the Miami County Foundation enabled the New Friends of the Library to sponsor the digitizing of the library’s collection of microfilm and newspapers. By digitizing these materials, patrons will be able to access items much more quickly than the current system which uses a microfilm reader,” says Jeanette Dohner, Friends liaison, “The library currently has issues of the West Milton Record dating back to 1902 on microfilm that were transferred to CDs which will make viewing, reading and printing
articles a great deal easier.”
According to Dohner, the files are indexed by year, then by month on the CDs and show the same two-page format that the microfilm did. One will be able to enlarge items to look at and print from while maintaining very good clarity. Copies printed from the digitized version are much more precise and brighter than from the microfilm reader/printer.
“Library board and staff members are extremely grateful to the Friends organization and the Miami County Foundation for this outlay to bring this technology to the community,” Dohner exclaims, “This is one of the Friends’ group’s largest expenditure in recent years and patrons will benefit greatly from it.”
The Milton-Union Public Library is located at 260 S. Main St., West Milton. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information please visit the library or call 698-5515.
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