Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Vital 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.

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 necessitates treatment before scanning begins. Special treatment substances will be used to stabilize the materials in readiness for scanning. This will save you time instead of treating each item individually. Substances used for treatment protect original transcripts from damage during and after scanning.

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.

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.

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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