PRESERVE & PRESENT HISTORICAL RECORDS ONLINE

For many years, local governments have enjoyed the benefits of automated record filing systems, but most jurisdictions only have electronic records dating back to the 70’s or 80’s when their first records management system was installed.  Traditionally, reindexing was the only method available to expand the historical database.  A successful reindexing project brought increased value to the searching public, but the process is extremely time-consuming, expensive, and opens up liability risks as humans input the data.

“Many of our records were literally crumbling apart from overuse. OIB significantly reduces the amount of handling and helps preserve our records. I feel better knowing our records are stored electronically and will always be available. Cott took care of everything from scanning to training new employees on the system. If we have an issue, they get right back to us. If we need anything, it’s taken care of.”
- Brenda Roberts, Clerk fo Court, Monroe County, OH

Online Index Books (OIB) is a better alternative.  By combining digital images of the index books and related record books and our unique retrieval software, OIB to mimic your hardcopy indexing systems in exactly the same way searchers look for records in your office. Because the original design and integrity of your filing system remain unchanged, OIB dramatically reduces the expense and assumed liability of interpreting older, handwritten records.

OIB complements your existing land records management system to expand access to your historical records. Our intuitive search empowers your constituents with convenient 24/7 access to your records. Users can search a name, be placed on the first page of the index book where that name resides, then electronically “page” through the appropriate section of the index.  Once an entry is located, the user simply enters the book and page of the document to retrieve its image.  Customize for your office, OIB eliminates manual searching, saving wear and tear on your valuable historical records

“When I took office in 2001, I recognized the need to preserve the Fayette County land records. Our records date all the way back to 1823. I worked with Cott Systems to develop a method to preserve the documents without ANY reindexing, and Online Index Books was born. I am so grateful for the dedication and hard work invested by both Fayette County and Cott Systems....it has paid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have been able to offer online searches to all my title examiners with zero personal contact.”
- Sheila Studdard, Clerk of Superior Court, Fayette County, GA

ALWAYS AVAILABLE
Anytime, anywhere online access to your historical records for your constituents

CONVENIENT 
Increase efficiency by searching historical records remotely from your desktop

FLEXIBLE
Customized specifically for your office to mimic your existing system and works with any LRMS

FASTER & MORE AFFORDABLE
Costs less than reindexing and projects can be done in phases to fit your budget

COMPREHENSIVE
Complements your current system to provide access to your entire library of records

PRESERVATION
Secure, electronic backup of your important records and documents
“Since working with Cott, I have real confidence in never losing a record, and OIB has significantly reduced staff time from handling books and making copies. Our cross-trained staff has time to work on other projects. Best of all, Cott’s e-commerce feature and our subscriber program has been able to generate revenue for the county.”
- Mary Weiderman, County Clerk, Chenango County, NY

DOWNLOAD the ONLINE INDEX BOOKS DATASHEET