There are different reasons for digitizing materials in government, institutions and private entities. Whichever the reason, it is important to consider several factors to ensure that the process is successful. It will ensure that your archival digitization endeavor achieves the goals of preservation and easy access. These considerations regard the specific items, the entire project and future needs.
Safety of original transcripts is key consideration to avoid damage during or at the end of the project. The current condition will determine the measures to be taken to guarantee safety. Old and dilapidated transcripts are prone to tear or disintegration when being digitized. Handling in a professional way ensures that the materials are safe for reference and to preserve their sentimental value.
Preparation should consider the risks involved when digitizing with the view of finding an alternative. The alternative aims at giving value and ensuring that materials maintain their original condition. Advanced digitizing equipment and a better working space are perfect ways to reduce the risk. Such materials should be exposed to minimized handling for successful completion of the process.
It is important that you examine the skills of your contractor or personnel. The uniqueness of each project means that a specific approach will be adopted. A brief before commencing helps to build consensus and identify the best way forward. This will reduce the time taken to complete the project. It translates to less expenditure as well.
The condition of some materials may necessitate treatment before scanning. Special substances are used depending on their nature. Directions on the method of treatment and substances to use are given by your consultant. Treatment is meant to preserve the authentic look on the materials.
Considerations should be made for temporary support with the aim of reducing interference. The support comes in the form of temporary storage or handling by a conservator. This will reduce your budget and allow you to digitize the materials at your convenience. Conservators allow you to plan your work well and thus simplify the process as well as reduce the cost.
Timing is important during digitization. A cost effective approach must be adopted to ensure that the process takes the least time possible. This will minimize risks and shield your materials from damage.
The process is likely to be slowed down by certain issues if they are not adequately addressed. Folds and creases obscure some images, text or pictures and are likely to affect the quality of scanned images. Papers, photos and images that are cockled must be straightened before commencement.
Tears on pages that exceed quarter an inch must be addressed. A loose spine, board or joint where the book is bound needs attention. This affects the speed of scanning and may accelerate damage on the book. Other books cannot open beyond 90 degrees and will be problematic to work with.
The preparations you make before beginning digitization determine the rate of success. You should consult with seasoned experts to ensure that you get the right personnel and equipment to successfully complete the work. The right people and tools reduce the time taken to complete the project which translates to less time. This will protect your materials from damage.
Safety of original transcripts is key consideration to avoid damage during or at the end of the project. The current condition will determine the measures to be taken to guarantee safety. Old and dilapidated transcripts are prone to tear or disintegration when being digitized. Handling in a professional way ensures that the materials are safe for reference and to preserve their sentimental value.
Preparation should consider the risks involved when digitizing with the view of finding an alternative. The alternative aims at giving value and ensuring that materials maintain their original condition. Advanced digitizing equipment and a better working space are perfect ways to reduce the risk. Such materials should be exposed to minimized handling for successful completion of the process.
It is important that you examine the skills of your contractor or personnel. The uniqueness of each project means that a specific approach will be adopted. A brief before commencing helps to build consensus and identify the best way forward. This will reduce the time taken to complete the project. It translates to less expenditure as well.
The condition of some materials may necessitate treatment before scanning. Special substances are used depending on their nature. Directions on the method of treatment and substances to use are given by your consultant. Treatment is meant to preserve the authentic look on the materials.
Considerations should be made for temporary support with the aim of reducing interference. The support comes in the form of temporary storage or handling by a conservator. This will reduce your budget and allow you to digitize the materials at your convenience. Conservators allow you to plan your work well and thus simplify the process as well as reduce the cost.
Timing is important during digitization. A cost effective approach must be adopted to ensure that the process takes the least time possible. This will minimize risks and shield your materials from damage.
The process is likely to be slowed down by certain issues if they are not adequately addressed. Folds and creases obscure some images, text or pictures and are likely to affect the quality of scanned images. Papers, photos and images that are cockled must be straightened before commencement.
Tears on pages that exceed quarter an inch must be addressed. A loose spine, board or joint where the book is bound needs attention. This affects the speed of scanning and may accelerate damage on the book. Other books cannot open beyond 90 degrees and will be problematic to work with.
The preparations you make before beginning digitization determine the rate of success. You should consult with seasoned experts to ensure that you get the right personnel and equipment to successfully complete the work. The right people and tools reduce the time taken to complete the project which translates to less time. This will protect your materials from damage.