Preparing Collections for DigitizationMost libraries, archives and museums around the globe are now confronting the challenges of providing digital access to their collections. As digitization becomes more widespread, there is huge demand for detailed guidance on best practice. While much has been written on the theory, these practical aspects have often been neglected, but they are significant not only in safeguarding the collection during image capture but also in ensuring that projects run smoothly and the resulting digital collection is of high quality. This practical guide fills that gap, offering guidance covering the end-to-end process of digitizing collections, from selecting records for digitization to choosing suppliers and equipment and dealing with documents that present individual problems. As such, it can be used as a 'how-to' reference manual for collection managers who are embarking on a digitization project or who are managing an existing project. It also covers some of the wider issues such as the use of surrogates for preservation, and the long term sustainability of digital access. Key areas covered are: - digitization in the context of collection management - before you digitize: resources, suppliers and surrogates - the digital image - the process of selection - surveying collections - equipment for image capture - preparation of document formats and fastenings - preparation of damaged documents - setting up the imaging operation. Readership: A clearly-written guide to a complex process, this book is an essential resource for all collection and project managers who have responsibility for the preservation of archival collections, as well as all industry professionals whose role touches on the digitization of collections. |
Contents
resources suppliers and surrogates 17 Introduction 17 Impact on the institution 17 Choosing to outsource 21 The role of microfilm 26 Chapter summ... | 34 |
Image specification 42 setting a standard 44 Chapter summary 45 Bibliography 45 4 The process of selection 47 Introduction 47 A strategy for digiti... | 137 |
Treatment options 141 documentation 147 Fitting conservation work into the workflow 148 Chapter summary 157 Bibliography 158 9 Setting up th... | 175 |
Common terms and phrases
Ahmon approach Archimedes Palimpsest archival master binding bound volume boxes carried Chapter 8 Preparation collection manager collection survey compression condition conservation studio considered consistent damaged documents digital camera digital image digital preservation digital surrogate Digitisation digitization programme digitization project disbinding document formats document handling ensure Equipment for image estimate example Figure file format flatbed scanners folded formats and fastenings glass plate image capture operation image specification imaging device imaging operation imaging team impact institution institution’s involve issues JISC Library London Metropolitan Archives loose papers loose sheets metadata microfilm minor damage National Archives UK off-site option original documents paperclips physical pixels polyester sleeves possible Preparation of damaged Preparation of document preservation problems project conservator rehousing removed requirements Research Libraries Group result risk Robotic book scanners sample scanning bed selection staff storage strategy timescale Treasury tag treatment workflow workspace