High access prices could dissuade researchers

In many cases, if students, historians or other researchers need to review important historical data, they can often access an online database remotely. This is because many companies and government organizations have pushed for the use of conversion services to allow files to be hosted online.

However, that is not the case with all types of historical records. In fact, this has recently become a point of contention for some individuals in Opelousas, Louisiana, where citizens are discovering that the price of accessing some files is not cheap.

According to the Daily World, individuals and media entities in the area have to pay between $0.25 and $1 to have just one page of a document printed out by area officials. This can add up quickly if people need access to court records or other lengthy documents, and could convince people to drop their inquests, the source noted.

The paper suggested that with new technology, there must be a less expensive means of access. Local lawmakers should look into the possibility of hosting such documents on an online database. This could cut down not only on costs, but the environmental implications of printing.

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