This post was written by guest blogger Diane Dimkoff, Director of Customer Services
The National Archives Trust Fund is replacing current copiers and the copy card system in the research rooms of College Park, MD (Archives II) and Washington, DC (Archives I) in early 2012. The new copiers/scanners will have more features than the current copiers. The new machines produce paper copies and digitized scans that can download to thumb drives. Researchers can purchase thumb drives from the National Archives Trust Fund. The Trust Fund sells 1 GB thumb drives and will soon add 4 GB drives to their inventory.
The new copy card system will be installed concurrently with the copiers/scanners. Researchers with existing balances can expect any remaining balances on current copy cards to transfer to the new system.
The National Archives Trust Fund supports the programs of the National Archives through a variety of activities. Find information about the Trust Fund at www.archives.gov/publications/general-info-leaflets/29-trust-fund.pdf.
I would be interested to know what type of copiers/scanners the Archives will be installing.
Hi Steve,
The model is the Sharp MX-M363, modified with a flat platen cover. The standard document feeder will be removed by the vendor.
Thank you,
Diane Dimkoff
National Archives
Director, Customer Services
What is the cost for scans downloaded to a thumb drive?
Will we only be able to use the NARA thumb drives, or could we bring in our own? What is the cost to download the digitized scans?
Hi Michael and Angela,
Researchers can use their own thumb drives or purchase one from the NARA Cashier’s Office. For now, the scanning cost will be 25 cents per image, the same as the printing cost; however, fees are subject to change.
Thank you,
Diane Dimkoff
National Archives
Director, Customer Services
Sweet!
Diane –
This is great news! Thanks for sharing.
Do you know if there are plans for NARA to replace our office copiers with these? It would really help us out in so many ways.
Congrats again on this great development!
The research room copiers are paid for by the National Archives Trust Fund. Office copiers are paid for from OE money and are purchased by our Facilities department. There is no connection between the two. Sorry, Matt.
-Diane Dimkoff
National Archives
Director, Customer Services
We have Sharp MX-M363 copiers here at LP-JFK. They are excellent copiers at a reasonable price.
Diane:
Thank you! This is great news for researchers, both from Federal agencies and the general public. Question: Will these copiers replace the obsolete Kodak copiers in the Still Pictures reference room?