Saturday, August 30, 2014

Important Considerations During Archival Digitization

By Harriet Porter


The benefits of digitization can only be enjoyed if the process is handled in a professional manner. Archival digitization aims at preserving original documents in a format that allows access without deterioration. It simplifies transfer across the digital platform. The original transcripts are not destroyed and in case this happens, digital formats will be available for reference. You should consider several vital points before beginning the procedure.

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.

The risk of damage must be identified and alternatives or the best options sort. The aim is to identify the best equipment that will guarantee high quality preservation. A better working space might be required to protect the items from damage. Such equipment should simplify the procedure and minimize handling challenges.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment