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Digital
images are "electronic photographs" scanned
from original documents. A digital image can accurately
render the information, layout, and presentation of
the original, including typefaces, annotations, and
illustrations. Although digital-imaging technology has
been available for some time, its widespread use occurred
only in the 1990s as technical advances led to improved
image capture, lower costs, and greater accessibility.
There has been a great deal of attention paid to digital
imaging over the last few years, and some pressure has
been placed on librarians and preservation professionals
to relinquish microfilm in favor of a technology that
greatly improves access. However, some fervent advocates
of the technology have scant understanding of what is
involved in scanning images and preserving them. Digital
imaging is expensive; labor costs associated with identifying,
preparing, inspecting, and indexing digital information
far exceed the costs of the scan itself.
Preservation professionals must ensure that the process
of scanning does not damage an artifact, and that the
scanning apparatus is appropriate to that artifact.
For example, a fragile book should not be crushed down
onto a flat-bed scanner. Preservation professionals
should establish a conservation plan for each artifact
or group of materials to be scanned. The plan of work
would include the following:
• Training scanning technicians in the safe handling
of artifacts, for example, wearing cotton gloves when
handling photographs. Examining artifacts to identify
damage risks such as fragile surfaces, tears, soiling,
and mold
or insect holes.
• The basic treatment of the artifacts by flattening,
surface cleaning to remove soiling, the repair of tears
and losses, and other treatments that are likely to
cause damage to the artifact and reduce the quality
of scanned images.
• Ensuring adequate security in the scanning
area to protect artifacts from unauthorized handling
and possible theft.
• Developing a post-scan housing plan to ensure
stability of storage.
Ensuring that artifacts are in appropriate condition
for handling by researchers. In some cases, the widespread
appearance of digital
images has stimulated interest in viewing original artifacts.
Click on the links below to learn more about Digital
imaging:
1. Unigue Properties of Digital
Technology
2. Pros and Cons of Digital
3. Related Reading
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Digital imaging
