NARA microfilm now available on DVD

[sd]

I din;t see the optrion either to choose the DVD format when I ordered online. I just sent them a message after my order via "Find & Request" function specififying my request and am still waiting for the reply. Will let you know when I do.

[Richard Hedrick]

I don’t believe the option for DVD is available on line because this is not yet an official option. I ordered some DVDs this past week over the phone and Ms. Davis told me that I could request DVDs but they were not an official option.

I think that for now you will have to call or mail in your order unless it is possible to add a comment to your on-line order requesting DVDs.

I will also add to Simon’s comment about turnaround time, I placed my order on Monday the 14th and have already received my confirmation letter. The confirmation letter included the comment “(CD format requested)”

The best part is that it won’t take me a month to digitize the rolls once I get them.

Richard

[MLW]

Thanks, Richard. That is good news. It appears that we researchers may reap another benefit from the digital revolution.

All the best,
Marc
http://www.maginotlineatwar.com

[sd]

Here's the reply from NARA I received today:

Hello. The lab told me that they will try to change the order because it's in servicing status. So it shouldn't be a problem to have this DVD/CD format. Sincerely, The National Archives at College Park

My suggestion to those who are ordering via online service is to send them a message specifing the DVD format as soon as possible after you click the order button. What I used was clicking on the blue tab of "Find & Request" on the upper left corner of the screen then "The Military & Military Engagements" link then "World War II (1941-1945)" link then the grey button on the right side of the screen "Reference Request". Then, fill in all the necessary infos in the text boxes w/ your order # in your message.

[Andrzej Ditrich]

Hello,

Does 250 dpi is enough for maps and plans(can i see single symbols-for example units symbols)? I guess it is excellent for text but how it works with graphic things?
Can anyone sent me a sample page - please.

Brgds
@ndrew

[Richard Hedrick]

The quality of the maps does vary, some can be read and some can’t. I think NARA is doing a go job now of giving extra attention to rolls that are mostly maps to get the best quality scans.

Below is sample image, it has been cropped and reduced 50% in order to fit on the page so the quality of the original is better, in the original you can read most of the town names. You can download the full original file at the link below.

Hope that helps,
Richard

http://downloads.sturmpanzer.net/Posts_ ... 300873.jpg

[Andrzej Ditrich]

Hello

I think NARA is doing a go job now of giving extra attention to rolls that are mostly maps to get the best quality scans.

That is what I wanted to hear !!! Maps looks pretty good.


The only disadvantage are the prices 120$ from 1st March 2009 per DVD.....I know that they bought expensive scanners but for average person the prices looks very very high.....

Thanks Richard-it helped me a lot! !!!

Regards
@ndrew

[Ingsoc75]

So the only way to know what to get is through an archive numbering system (no previews online)?

[Richard Hedrick]

Roger that. The guides, though not always specific enough, are a must to even get close and the only way to know which roll number to order. No other preview is available other than going to NARA and perusing the rolls there.

Richard

[Genealogy Simmons]

After much searching I managed to find a company in the UK that transferred my microfilm to DVD for me with great results, and didn't break the bank. I'm sure this is something that many others would like to do, so I'm happy to provide contact details if anyone wants them.

For the record, I am in no way affiliated with the company, I just think there's a lot of people that will find this helpful.

[Urmel]

I'd be interested.

[Genealogy Simmons]

Not sure whether I'm allowed to post contact details on the board, so I've sent you a PM

[Urmel]

Gratefully received.

[Andrzej Ditrich]

Hello,

how it works with DVD ordering from Europe - I mean time of delivery.
Can anybody give me a hint?
Do I need to search for US citizen to make it personaly or just send typical ordering form via mail with list of microfilms and wait for package.

Brgds
@ndrew

[Brevity]

Hello @ndrew

how it works with DVD ordering from Europe - I mean time of delivery.
Can anybody give me a hint?

I think it works well, at least it should, since there is an option of foreign orders:
http://www.archives.gov/research/order/ ... r-form.pdf

The delivery times became horribly slow after Obama took over, last year it took them usually 4 months to send the package, even for a single DVD lol. My order from December has already been delivered, but I'm still waiting for another one from October.

If you need some advice, send me a pm, I speak polish.
Gratki