Tim, I would question the on-going value of the cards as part of the
recording record. Recording requirements are generally pretty well
defined by statute. The fact that they continue to get occasional
research does not necessarily mean that there is a legal requirement for
on-going maintenance. You might do some research yourself - maybe you
can destroy them.

The best solution for these is microfilm. The savings in space may
provide sufficient return on investment for a reader/scanner - an entry
level unit might be all that's needed. Last time I looked they were
going for around $3K. 

If the title companies and other researchers want continued access,
consider working with them on cost sharing the conversion. Its possible
the genealogical community might be willing to pitch in as well.

It bothers me to hear that counties do not back up their recording
systems with some form of permanent media. Its required in Oregon. Some
time ago there was a big push from the imaging companies to eliminate
this requirement. I've never understood why - microfilm back up is a
drop in the bucket in terms of overall system costs, yet some were
acting like this was the main cost. Ridiculous!

Dwight Wallis, CRM
Records Administrator
Multnomah County Fleet, Records, Electronics, Distribution and Stores
(FREDS)
1620 S.E. 190th Avenue
Portland, OR 97233
Phone: (503)988-3741
Fax: (503)988-3754
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