This document provides guidance on digitizing collections of bound manuscripts, documents, and negatives. It discusses factors to consider such as the uniformity and fragility of materials, as well as the purpose of digitization. Setup and equipment for different digitization methods are described, including using a copy stand with macro lens or specialized book scanners. Technical standards for master and derivative file formats, resolution, bit depth, and color space are also outlined. Resources for further guidance on digitization standards and best practices are listed.

1. Digitisingyour collection
Capturing bound manuscripts, documents and negatives

2. GettingStarted
• Is the material uniform or varied?
• Is the material fragile or have specific handling
or technical needs?
• Will we need training? Will we need to write a
procedure to ensure consistent results?
• What is the main purpose of digitisation and
how will that determine techniques and
technical standards?

4. This is where a caption goes.
Maybe for two lines.

5. CopyStand
• Two equidistant lights at 45
degrees
• Camera parallel to and
level with material
• Camera with fixed macro
lens
• Colour reference card
included
• Trigger camera with
computer, shutter-release
cable, or set on timer.

6. State Library of NSW. Photo by Matthew Burgess
Digitising a bound volume or document

7. Slide title
Specialised book scanners

8. Scanner
• Easy to use
• Can digitise small material in
batches
• Great for capturing content of
flat/printed material
• Files need little or no
processing
• Space and budget friendly
Camera
• Versatile
• Fast (as taking a photo!)
• Can capture a wide variety of
material
• Higher quality files that may
require more processing
• More accurate representation of
material

9. Scanner Copy stand with polariser

10. • Camera on copystand
• 100mm macro lens
• Light box
• Load up the scanner
• Select settings
• Go and have a cup of tea
State Library of NSW. Photo by Russell Perkins State Library of NSW. Photo by Scott Wajon

11. Common Digitisation Guide:
Purpose: Master (Preservation, Archive)
Format: TIFF
Bit depth: 16 (48) bit
Resolution: 600 ppi (dpi)
Colour space: Adobe RGB 1998
Purpose: Derivative (Access, Co-master)
Format: JPEG
Bit depth: 8 (24) bit
Resolution: 2000 pixels longest edge
Colour space: sRGB

12. Common Digitisation Guide:
Purpose: Master (Preservation, Archive)
Format: TIFF
Bit depth: 16 (48) bit
Resolution: 600 ppi (dpi)
Colour space: Adobe RGB 1998
Purpose: Derivative (Access, Co-master)
Format: JPEG
Bit depth: 8 (24) bit
Resolution: 2000 pixels longest edge
Colour space: sRGB
Translation:
Unprocessed reference file
Large file that preserves all the digital information
More colour information
Refers to file size and describes pixels per inch (digital)
or dots per inch (print)
Represents a very wide range of colours
Processed file for viewing and sharing
Compressed file, less space on hard drive
Less colour information, less space on hard drive
File size in pixels (ppi / dpi irrelevant)
Smaller colour range- standard for internet

13. Scanningat different resolutions
Original negative
----5inches---
-- 4 inches --
----3000pixels----
----2400 pixels----
Scanned at 600 ppiScanned at 300ppi
----1500pixels----
--1200 pixels--

14. Standards, guides and handy hints..
https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/learn/for-museums-and-galleries/how-guides/collection-
management/digitising-collections
http://naa.gov.au/about-us/organisation/accountability/operations-and-preservation/preservation-
digitisation-standards
https://www.loc.gov/preservation/care/scan.html
https://www.metamorfoze.nl/sites/metamorfoze.nl/files/publicatie_documenten/Metamorfoze_Pres
ervation_Imaging_Guidelines_1.0.pdf
https://sustainableheritagenetwork.org/digital-heritage/category/photographs-and-images
https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/