/ AI-powered retrieval

Finding information in an archive has traditionally required a certain kind of knowledge: the right search terms, the right reference numbers, an understanding of how the collection is organised and described. For researchers, professionals and members of the public alike, that can be a significant barrier to discovery.

Archive Assistance removes that barrier. It is a conversational AI tool built specifically for archive and heritage collections, allowing users to ask questions in plain English and receive accurate, sourced answers drawn directly from the collection itself.

Unlike general-purpose AI tools, Archive Assistance works exclusively within your archive. It has no access to the open internet and cannot draw on outside knowledge. If the answer is in your collection, it will find it. If it isn't, it will say so.

Natural Language Search

Ask your archive a question the same way you would ask a person. Archive Assistance understands plain English queries, so users don't need to know the correct spelling of a name, the right catalogue reference or the precise terminology used by the original cataloguer. Simply ask, and the system will search the collection on your behalf.

Collection-Specific Responses

Every answer Archive Assistance provides is drawn exclusively from your collection. The system operates in a secure, isolated environment with no internet access, and is strictly instructed to respond only on the basis of what it finds within your archive. Users receive accurate, relevant responses rooted in your specific holdings.

Source References

Archive Assistance doesn't just provide answers — it shows its working. Every response is linked back to the source material it was drawn from, allowing users to verify the information, explore further and cite their sources with confidence. For researchers and heritage professionals, that traceability is essential.

Responsible AI

We are transparent about the nature of AI-generated responses. While Archive Assistance is designed to minimise the risk of inaccurate outputs through its source-grounded approach, we build in appropriate safeguards and human oversight to ensure the system remains reliable and trustworthy. Our goal is a tool your users and your organisation can depend on.

/ Why choose Us?

It’s a family affair

We’re proud to fly the flag for family-run businesses, and although our team has grown significantly over the last 60 years, we still bring a personal touch to everything we do.

Complete protection

To ensure your materials are safe in our care, we implement strict security measures and undergo regular disaster recovery assessments.

Specialist heritage facilities

The storage, preparation and digitisation of your heritage materials is carried out in our purpose-built single-level, temperature-controlled studio area measuring over 10,000 feet.

Respected and respectful

Our skilled, knowledgeable and experienced handlers and technicians are known for their meticulous handling of heritage materials – treating them with the respect they deserve at all times.

Gentle preservation

We use cutting-edge technology and advanced techniques to provide one of the UK’s most specialist digitisation services for your rare, precious and fragile heritage materials.

Services by us, for you

Our flexible services are fully tailored to ensure organisations meet their key objectives regardless of the type or quantity of materials.

/ Reviews from our Customers

Microform are one of the best companies that I have had the pleasure of working with in a long time. They work as part of the extended team, so communication isn't an effort; it is a natural part of the process of getting the job done and delivering results.

Alison John Registration Services Manager, Warwickshire County Council

I love REG...the slick, quick and accurate re-production of any register entry is great, none of the staff at this office would go back to life without it!

Anne Atherton Superintendent Registrar, St Helens Registration Service

We have found the REG system a joy to manage and work with. Not only does it give us easy, speedy access to the certificates, we can now also offer a more professional, timely service to the public. All the staff have been impressed by how easy it is to use.
Microform Imaging have been a great company to work with, delivering excellent service and creating a unique, bespoke partnership.

Dawn Titherington Superintendent Registrar, Blackpool Council

Due to our repository being off site it was vital that we looked at alternative ways to work. Working with Microform and the REG system they had designed has transformed the way we work. No longer do staff have to leave the office to access registers on a daily/hourly basis all records are accessible instantly. Staff have welcomed the system and have full confidence in how to search, edit and print certificates. It has enabled us to offer a 2 hour turnaround certificate service for a premium fee increasing our income. Working with Microform has been a pleasure and one of most successful partnerships.

Gillian Greeson Superintendent Registrar, Wigan Council

REG has transformed the way in which we produce certificates. The process is simplified and streamlined and together with our ongoing indexing project has enabled us to achieve the efficiency targets required by the local authority.

Pat Evans Superintendent Registrar, The Register Office, Liverpool

From the first meeting we had to discuss our requirements with Mo, all the way through to now, communication in all forms have been exceptional. I very much doubt you could improve the quality of customer care and satisfaction. The relationship with Rachel throughout the project gave exceeded all my expectations, she has made the project a pleasure and stress-free experience. The level of professionalism and 'can do' attitude she has shown from day one has been amazing and made what could have been a time of worry and concern for me, in to a feel-good working experience. Microform go the extra mile to make life easier!

Robert Harrison IT Director and Partner, HGF

I was thrilled to bits with the hard drive containing the scans of all my scrapbooks and would like to thank you very much for doing such a splendid job and for treating them with such great care.

Sir Stirling Moss

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