Wednesday, August 27, 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.

Safety of the materials remains your primary concern until completion of the project. This safety largely depends on their current condition. Old and dilapidated materials are prone to tear and disintegration in the process of digitizing. Professional preparation and handling minimizes damage and preserves the original transcripts for future reference and sentimental value.

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.

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.

Some problems should catch your eye before commencing the process because of the possibility of slowing down scanning. The presence of creases and folds obscures images and text. Cockled photos, images and papers require flattening before you begin to digitize any material.

Torn pages are bound to cause trouble if the tear exceeds quarter an inch. Bonding on some books may be loose causing malfunction at joints, boards and the spine. This is likely to affect the smoothness of workflow especially when placing them on scanners. Other books are bound in such a way that they cannot open further than 90 degrees. Such classification simplifies your work.

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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