A practical guide to safely digitising handwritten manuscripts, fragile papers and unique archival documents.
What is manuscript digitisation?
Manuscript digitisation is the controlled process of creating digital images of handwritten or otherwise unique documentary material. The objective is to preserve the information and useful visual characteristics of the original while reducing unnecessary handling.
Why are manuscripts different from ordinary documents?
Manuscripts may be fragile, irregular, folded, bound, stained, annotated or written in inks that require careful imaging. Their physical characteristics can affect the equipment, lighting, support and capture settings required.
Stage 1 — Assessment
Before imaging, the collection should be assessed for condition, format, size, folds, bindings, loose material and any features that could be damaged by handling. The Library of Congress recommends assessing whether items can be safely handled throughout the digitisation workflow and whether stabilisation is required.
Stage 2 — Preparation and support
Preparation may include gentle unfolding where safe, removing unsuitable temporary housings and providing supports. Fragile or restricted bindings may require a cradle or other support rather than being forced flat.
Stage 3 — Image capture
The capture method should match the material. Overhead or reprographic systems are particularly appropriate where a manuscript should not be pressed against a flatbed. Resolution, colour and tonal range should be selected according to the information that needs to be preserved.
Stage 4 — Quality assurance
Images should be checked for focus, completeness, orientation, colour, exposure, cropping, sequence and legibility. Quality control should identify problems before the project is signed off.
Stage 5 — Preservation and access files
A project may produce high-quality preservation masters together with more convenient access files. The preservation strategy should also consider filenames, metadata, storage, backup and long-term management.
The original remains important
Digitisation creates a digital surrogate; it does not make the physical manuscript irrelevant. The original should continue to be stored and handled according to appropriate preservation practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fragile manuscripts be digitised?
Many can, provided the workflow and equipment are appropriate to their condition and structure.
Should a manuscript be flattened for scanning?
No. Fragile material should not be forced flat simply to make capture easier; supports and appropriate overhead equipment can reduce stress.
What files can be produced?
Projects can produce high-resolution TIFF or other agreed preservation files together with JPEG or PDF access copies, depending on requirements.
Further Reading
Oxford Duplication Centre — Practical Expertise
Our approach to heritage digitisation is based on matching the capture method to the physical material. Assessment, safe handling, appropriate equipment, consistent image capture and quality assurance are all part of the process.
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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