* Capture information in a way that keeps all options open and provides for total convertibility: OCR, scanning of microfilm, producing microfilm from scanned documents, etc. * Work closely with the generators of information and the builders of networks and databases to ensure that continuing accessibility is a primary concern from the beginning. * Piggyback on standards under development for the broad market, and avoid library-specific standards; work with the vendors, in order to take advantage of that which is being standardized for the rest of the world. * Concentrate efforts on managing permanence in the digital world, rather than perfecting the longevity of a particular medium. ****** +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DISCUSSION * Additional comments on TIFF * +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ During the brief discussion period that followed BATTIN's presentation, BARONAS explained that TIFF was not developed in collaboration with or under the auspices of AIIM. TIFF is a company product, not a standard, is owned by two corporations, and is always changing. BARONAS also observed that ANSI/AIIM MS53, a bi-level image file transfer format that allows unlike systems to exchange images, is compatible with TIFF as well as with DEC's architecture and IBM's MODCA/IOCA. ****** +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HOOTON * Several questions to be considered in discussing text conversion * +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HOOTON introduced the final topic, text conversion, by noting that it is becoming an increasingly important part of the imaging business. Many people now realize that it enhances their system to be able to have more and more character data as part of their imaging system. Re the issue of OCR versus rekeying, HOOTON posed several questions: How does one get text into computer-readable form? Does one use automated processes? Does one attempt to eliminate the use of operators where possible? Standards for accuracy, he said, are extremely important: it makes a major difference in cost and time whether one sets as a standard 98.5 percent acceptance or 99.5 percent. He mentioned outsourcing as a possibility for converting text. Finally, what one does with the image to prepare it for the recognition process is also important, he said, because such preparation changes how recognition is viewed, as well as facilitates recognition itself. ******