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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 success of your digitization process largely depends on the preparations you make. This calls for consultation with reliable experts who have the personnel, tools and experience to handle any project. They will offer directions to ensure that you complete the process in time and within your estimated budget. They also shield your items from damage.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 success of your digitization process largely depends on the preparations you make. This calls for consultation with reliable experts who have the personnel, tools and experience to handle any project. They will offer directions to ensure that you complete the process in time and within your estimated budget. They also shield your items from damage.
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