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Vital Considerations Before Archival Digitization

By Harriet Porter


Digitizing materials is informed by unique reasoning. Success in this process depends on how well you plan and the consultants you involve. Planning for archival digitization should bear in mind a number of factors. The idea is to preserve your records in digital format without destroying the original scripts. Each item should be given individualized attention depending on its condition.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.




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