WiLS September 2015 Vendor Partner Interview: Scott Pechacek, Northern Micrographics

At WiLS, we want to bring valuable information to our library partners, including information about the missions and big ideas of the vendors and publishers they may already do business with.  Each month, WiLS will interview a partner in order to bridge the gap and open the door to valuable collaborations.  This month, we are delighted to share insights from Scott Pechacek, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Northern Micrographics.

These interviews are part of a series of interviews with both WiLS library and vendor / publisher partners.  Your feedback is appreciated.  If you have any to offer on this article, or suggestions for upcoming interviews, contact Andrea Coffin at .

Tell us about your company’s background.

Northern Micrographics’ experience in the imaging industry began in 1947 when it was established as the Microcard Corporation in La Crosse, WI. The Microcard Corporation quickly became a pioneer in the field of unit microforms, establishing the first commercial microfiche production facility in the United States. After the sale of Microcard Corporation to the National Cash Register Company in 1966, the same principals founded Gateway Research, which, in turn became Northern Micrographics in 1973. Northern Micrographics and Brookhaven Press specialized in microprinting and micropublishing serving academic, commercial and industrial markets.

In 1986, Northern Micrographics spun off its computer graphics operations to form NMT Corporation specializing in GCOM (Graphic Computer Output Microfilm) services and software development for the engineering graphics and utility industry marketplaces. In 1999, Northern Micrographics, Brookhaven Press and Brookhaven Bindery were merged into NMT Corporation and currently operate as divisions of NMT. NMT is a Wisconsin corporation with headquarters and production facilities in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Today, Northern Micrographics is a high volume, high quality imaging firm producing 16mm/35mm microfilm, 105mm microfiche, and digital imagery from various types of source material including newspapers, bound books, microfilm, 35mm slides and city directories.

Why do you, personally, choose to work with libraries?

I have always enjoyed the culture of wanting to help people; a core library value. My first post-college employer was with the Winnebago Software Company. I provided technical support for our customers that used the Winnebago CIRC/CAT. The ability to locate library book information in an efficient manner was greatly enhanced with the creation of the OPAC. The value of accurate content meant librarians were better able to serve their patrons.

Our work at Northern Micrographics allows each patron to utilize a library’s content in a whole new way. The ability to accurately locate information through full-text content searches enhances each librarian’s/patron’s ability to make new research connections.

Technology today means the library has the ability to share their collections further into their community.

What do you like to know about the libraries you work with? What helps you better understand their needs?

Much of our time is exploring the collection and the various options to achieve your project goals. Phase one will outline why you are doing this project.

1. Are the materials becoming too brittle to use?
2. Are you looking to provide keyword searching capabilities?
3. Are you looking to free up storage space?

Phase two is determining pricing. As with any project, budget is always a concern. We suggest the creation of a free sample. The sample will be created according to your project specification. The sample will allow you to determine what specification modifications may be necessary and yet remain under budget.

What big ideas are being worked on at your company? What problems are being solved?

Through the years, our collaborative process has allowed Northern Micrographics to develop new service offerings (e.g. content hosting, content management software, data conversion) to help our customers achieve their project goals. Northern Micrographics continues to locate, enhance or develop new equipment and/or tools that will allow us to carefully and efficiently create consistent output. Efficient output means lower costs for our customers. This means more digital content can be made available for your patrons.

How can librarians become partners in product or training development?

They simply need to ask questions. These discussions help us stay focused on the issues that matter most to librarians – What do you know worth saving?