Microfilm reproduction helps preserve ancient documents in NE China's Jilin

Zheng Shanji searches for archived microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang) 

Microfilm is an effective way to preserve ancient texts and documents. China has started using micrographics technology to preserve invaluable documents on a large scale in 1985, since the establishment of the National Library's center for microfilm reproduction. Since then, over 40 public libraries have been engaging in using microfilm for document preservation.

Jilin Provincial Library is one of the first batch of microfilm reproduction libraries in China. As a staff member of the library, Zheng Shanji's responsibility is to digitalize the microfilm document. The microfilm work involves many aspects and requires a series of professional operations, including shooting, washing, cataloging, copying, digital conversion and so on.

"I take different responsibilities in my work, and the 'models' are the precious ancient books and historical documents," Zheng said.

Zheng Shanji checks the information of microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji checks microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

This photo taken on April 22, 2024 shows microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji checks microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji prints microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji reviews documents through microfilm reader at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji searches for archived microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji edits the catalog information of microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji checks microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji checks the information of microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji checks details of microfilm with a magnifying glass at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji prepares to archive microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji develops microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Zheng Shanji checks microfilm at Jilin Provincial Library in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)