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Case Studies

Duplication

In 2002 the National Archives and Records Administration awarded Archival Solutions the contract to duplicate the 1930 United States census and fulfill orders for it. Full details on this project to follow.

Acetate Conversion

In the 1950s, the City of Boston microfilmed its chattel mortgage records dating back to 1830s and later destroyed the original hard copies. Only one set of master film was created. Without a duplicate-use copy, this rich historical resource documenting Boston's commercial and economic development was unavailable to the public.

Without a polyester alternative at the time, the cellulose acetate film used was destined to become unstable — resulting in film deterioration due to vinegar syndrome.

The staff preservation specialist analyzed the collection and drew up specifications for the total replacement of all 998 35mm reels of master film and the production of a silver duplicate copy. A tremendous undertaking, indeed. Unless you turn to a company equipped for and devoted to preserving information integrity. Boston did.

Boston's industry inquiries produced the name of Archival Solutions. Among all vendors who bid on the project, Archival Solutions was the only one to visit Boston's facility and see the problem first hand. Archival Solutions was the only one to offer advice, refine specifications and provide customer references specific to the problems of preserving this bountiful resource. The Archival Solutions solution was the most appropriate — and the lowest.

Once the project began, Archival Solutions managed it with consistently conscientious care and saw it through to completion and satisfaction with appropriate speed and expedience and without complication.

Back safely in the city's custody, the original film is intact, with a new master to ensure permanent preservation, a duplicate use copy will provide access to researchers, and most importantly, recorded information vital to Boston's history remains intact for generations to come. Due to an exclusive combination of specialized expertise, personal involvement and economic pricing, Archival Solutions successfully met the demanding specifications of the City of Boston Archives.