A World Without Microfilm: How Local Governments are Leading the Charge in Digital Preservation

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In October 2025, the National Association of Government Archives & Records Administrators (NAGARA) hosted an online forum centered on Advocacy for Archives. Two Ohio Electronic Records Committee members, Tina Ratcliff and Elise Kelly (along with Stephen Badenhop, Director of Archives and Records Manager for Union County, Ohio), co-presented on the future of microfilm and how Ohio’s local governments are adapting to these changes.

The presentation centered on three phases: “How did we get here?” “Where are we now?”, and
“What are we doing to face a future without microfilm?”

For this blog post, we are going to focus on the first phase, “How did we get here?”, and the subsequent blog post will center on phases two and three. Phase one touched upon the usage of microfilm for historical preservation purposes of permanent records. Since the 1950s, Ohio and its local government repositories have utilized microfilm for preserving historical and permanent records.

The obsolescence of microfilm and the emergence of digital records have been frequent topics of discussion among archivists and records managers across the nation for the past couple of years. In addition, supplies and the production of microfilm have become more tenuous in recent years. In 2025, Fuji Film, a major microfilm supplier, announced that it would no longer manufacture microfilm.  Discussing these issues became a focal point at a Spring 2025 Ohio County Archivists & Records Managers Association (CARMA) meeting.

It was determined at this meeting that a committee (the Digital Initiatives & Standards Committee (DISC)) would be formed to create a guide on how to transition from microfilm permanent record preservation to electronic permanent record preservation. DISC’s goal is to “establish best practices, guidelines, and consistent standards for the creation and maintenance of electronic records and to ensure they are retained in a trustworthy, accessible, and reliable manner.”

In next month’s blog post, we will discuss the DISC committee’s current work and projects, and outline the next steps for the digital preservation guide.

A new start to the year: ADA Compliance

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Last November, we briefly discussed the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule, which takes effect on April 24, 2026, for state/local governments with populations of 50,000 or more, and on April 26, 2026, for populations of less than 50,000. For a better understanding of what Digital Accessibility is, check out these definitions.

To ensure compliance with this rule, CivicPlus, a digital software platform for local and state government agencies, has instituted its Acquia Web Governance application. This application actively targets website accessibility issues, providing recommendations and insights to enhance accessibility, quality, and performance. If your government institution uses CivicPlus, contact your IT department to determine if they have implemented the Aquia Web Governance application.

CivicPlus’s web accessibility also offers training and resources. It is essential to remember that the digital content on your website should be continually monitored and updated. After determining what needs to be updated on your website (e.g., PDF documents), demonstrating compliance can be achieved by posting an accessibility statement on your website.  

Celebrate the Season with a Fresh Start: Clean Up Your Records with OhioERC Trainings!

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As we wrap up the year and prepare for a fresh start, why not give yourself the gift of organization? The Ohio Electronic Records Committee (OhioERC) invites you to ring in the New Year with a cleaner, more efficient records management system—starting with our free online trainings!

Here’s what’s under the tree for you:

Whether you’re making resolutions or just cleaning up before the ball drops, these trainings are a perfect way to prepare your records for the year ahead. Let’s make 2026 your most organized year yet!