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Thứ Năm, 4 tháng 9, 2014

Important Considerations Before Archival Digitization

By Harriet Porter


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.

Before commencing with the project, you should identify if the materials can be safely handled up to the end of the project without damage. Some may be too old to the point of disintegrating during scanning. This will require a professional to ensure that you do not damage original transcripts in the name of preserving them.

A thorough evaluation of the risk is done with the aim of identifying alternatives that will give you better value. This will ensure that the materials are preserved. The alternative lies in a better working space or advanced scanning equipment. This will minimize physical handling and simplify your procedures.

Personnel handling the project should have necessary skills. Since every project is unique, a briefing and initial evaluation is important. It helps in building consensus and devising the best approach depending on the uniqueness of each project. It minimizes the time taken to complete your project or the need to repeat procedures.

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.

The services of a conservator should be considered alongside temporary storage. They allow you to sort materials in different classes as well as make concrete plans for your project. They facilitate planning to create an ideal space where the work can be completed. This will reduce the cost of the entire project and the time taken.

Digitizing should be scheduled to take place at the perfect time. Taking less time reduces cost and minimizes exposure to damage. Some conditions are likely to expose different materials to damage and therefore compromise your expectations.

There are problems that are worth identifying before beginning to digitize the materials. Some texts or images may be obscured by folds and creases. Such problems should be corrected before commencement of work. Some papers, images or photos may be cockled and therefore require flattening before beginning any procedure.

Torn pages or papers that are longer than quarter an inch need to be addressed. Some books are likely to have loose spines, boards and joints. Such books will present a huge challenge when placing them on the scanner and will slow down the process. Some methods of binding are restricted and can only open less than ninety degrees.

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.




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