Understanding preservation-focused digitisation of important archival documents.
What makes archival scanning different?
Archival scanning considers the condition and significance of the original as well as the quality and purpose of the digital output.
Why assess the original first?
The Library of Congress recommends assessing condition, handling risk, equipment suitability and required stabilisation before digitisation.
What equipment is appropriate?
Equipment should match the material. The Library of Congress notes that feed equipment is not acceptable for fragile, high-value or special archival materials such as manuscripts and drawings.
What does quality assurance involve?
Image completeness, focus, exposure, colour, orientation, page order, file naming and technical specifications can all form part of a project's QA process.
Why retain high-quality image masters?
A high-quality master provides a stable source from which access derivatives can be created without repeatedly handling the original.
Does archival digitisation mean the original can be discarded?
No. Whether originals are retained or disposed of is a separate preservation and records-management decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fragile documents be archived digitally?
Yes, provided they can be safely handled and the capture process is designed around their condition.
Are archival scans always TIFF files?
TIFF is widely used for high-quality image preservation, but the appropriate specification should be agreed for the project.
Can archival documents also be delivered as PDFs?
Yes. PDF can provide an access or working derivative alongside higher-quality image masters.
Further Reading
Oxford Duplication Centre — Practical Expertise
Professional document digitisation depends on matching the capture method to the original. Modern loose documents may suit production scanning, while fragile, bound, oversized or unusual records need specialist handling and equipment. The aim is to create reliable digital records while protecting the original material.
Need DAT tapes digitised?
Oxford Duplication Centre provides professional DAT digitisation for individual tapes and archive collections, with preservation and access outputs tailored to your requirements.
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