Document management systems often require original documents to be scanned for storage in digital form or microfilmed. For accurate capture of information from the original, it is important that criteria for the quality of their characteristics be met. Originators of documents are strongly advised to take account of these criteria.

Some scanners can accurately capture typescript smaller than is possible for microfilm. As this standard addresses the quality of documents that can be captured by either or both of these processes, type size is dictated by microfilming.

BS 5444 is the British standard that gives recommendations for the physical characteristics of original documents that might need to be microfilmed in accordance with BS ISO 6199 or scanned at a resolution of not less than 200 dots per inch (NOTE 1 inch = 25.4 mm).

BS 5444 applies to hard-copy originals and documents that are computer-generated for output on microfilm. For computer generated documents, recommendations for print quality and post-printing feature do not apply. BS 5444 also applies to forms but not those intended for electronic processing of user-completed information.

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

BS ISO 6196 Micrographics. Vocabulary

BS ISO 12651 Electronic imaging. Vocabulary

Contents of BS 5444 include:

Foreword
Introduction
Scope
Normative references
Terms and definitions
Page format and content
Illustrations
Print quality
Supplementary features
Bibliography

BS 5444:2008 replaces BS 5444:1977 Recommendations for preparation of copy for microcopying which has been withdrawn.

BS 5444:2008

Physical attributes of documents for microfilming or scanning. Code of practice

Current

Published:

30 Nov 2008