Microfilm Services

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History operates a full service microfilm lab, including source document microfilming, microfilm processing and duplication, and security microfilm vault storage for permanent/historical state and local government records. The Department also provides microfilming guidance to state agencies and local governments through technical publications and training and a certification program for government and commercial labs that microfilm South Carolina’s government records.

• Source Document Microfilming concentrates on historically significant state and local government records, mostly those that are older and require preservation. These include records from the Department’s own holdings and those identified in South Carolina’s local governments. (Link to a listing of the historical records in South Carolina’s counties eligible for microfilming.)  This microfilming is done with the Department’s own resources and with special appropriations. The Department also microfilms other records on a fee for service basis as time and other project commitments permit (see price list). For information, contact James H. Barkley.
  
• Microfilm Processing and Duplication is a fee-based service for South Carolina’s state agencies and local governments. To see a current price list.  For information, contact James H. Barkley.
  
• Security Microfilm Vault Storage is required by the Public Records Act and is provided free of charge to South Carolina state agencies and local governments for their permanent records (as determined by a Records retention schedule). Properly processed original microfilm negatives are accepted by the Department and maintained in a climate-controlled environment. For more information click here or contact Woodrow Ellisor or James H. Barkley.
  
• Publications and Training provide guidance on a full range of microfilm concerns, from selecting records for microfilming and dealing with a vendor to selecting microfilm reading equipment and microfilm quality standards. For further information, contact John M. Zurlo.
  
• Microfilm Service Bureau Certification is available for any government or commercial service bureau that demonstrates an ability to meet the Department’s microfilm quality standards. A list of certified vendors is available. For further information about the certification program, contact John M. Zurlo.