Breaking news from NewsDaily, updated every 15 minutes.Top Best Entertainment news stories. Current Best ... Register or log in using your account on these websites. You may choose news, top news, world news, politics, business, science, entertainment, sports etc.


Sunday, 31 August 2014

Vital Considerations Before 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.

Safety of original transcripts is key consideration to avoid damage during or at the end of the project. The current condition will determine the measures to be taken to guarantee safety. Old and dilapidated transcripts are prone to tear or disintegration when being digitized. Handling in a professional way ensures that the materials are safe for reference and to preserve their 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.

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.

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 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.

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