The Alameda County California Clerk-Recorder’s Agency is chartered with providing superior protection of public records through advancements in technology and the optimization of its employees.

Public records (e.g. property records, birth/death certificates) from 1850-1970 were archived on legacy microfiche/microfilm. Record requests from this archive required lengthy searches that consumed staff time and delayed response time to citizens. The microfilm, prone to cracking and decay, had also put the records at risk. As part of procedures to continuously review and update public records, the County decided to digitally convert this microfiche and microfilm archive.

Mathew Eates, Information Systems Specialist, Alameda County, states “Digital ReeL proved to be a practical, easy to install and maintain solution for us. Our legacy records from 1850-1970 are infrequently accessed and Digital ReeL proved to be the best solution for digitizing these records.”

Approximately 15 public facing computers act as Digital ReeL workstations. County employees as well as citizens can easily access the legacy records from a computer through Digital ReeL. Researchers can optimize the images with adjustable grayscale and then email or print the requested records.