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Thứ Sáu, 5 tháng 9, 2014

Important Considerations During 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.

The skills and experience of your chosen personnel or contract determine the outcome during digitization of records. Experts will identify the uniqueness of your project and advise accordingly. A brief allows consensus building to map the best approach and reduce time taken to deliver on your project. It reduces the cost while protecting original transcripts from damage.

There is need to treat some materials before scanning. This is informed by their condition. Some materials and surfaces require special substances. Your consultant on archival services will offer directions in this regard. This will reduce the time taken to digitize the materials. Treatment will preserve your materials in their original state.

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.

Timing your digitization procedures is crucial for the success of your project. It should coincide with a time when there is little disturbance and the weather is perfect. This will minimize the possibility of damage on original manuscripts.

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.

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.

Success when digitizing any records depends on your nature of preparation. Consultations with experts ensure that you get proper equipment and skilled personnel to complete the project. It reduces the time taken and consequently the cost of the entire process without compromising the quality of work.




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