Introduction to Conservation in Handling

The Nature of Digital Projects

Special Collections MaterialRare or UniqueOften Fragile

Preservation

Can the originals be handled safely?Will digitisation reduce handling of the originals?Are digital preservation policies in place?Will you be able to provide adequate archiving of the digital files?

A Double-Edged Sword

Digitization can provide a surrogate and reduce handling orCan drive up demand for use of an original

Consider Preservation Activities

As part of digitization work flowAs part of digitization budgetEstablish preservation criteria

Preservation Considerations for Digitization

By Format:

BooksPapersPhotographs

Books

Fold-outs that require flattening or mendingPages with large tears across image areaFolios in pamphlets that are bound by over-sewing or by staplingPages dog-eared or creased so text/image is obscuredPages stuck togetherUncut pagesInaccessible text blocks because the book does not open widely enough to get at the center

Papers

Tears over 1 cm. long that bisect the edge of the paperHoles larger than 1.5 cm. in diameterCreases and folds that obscure the image or textFolded, brittle paper that requires unfolding

Photographs

Flaking or cracking of imageTears or breaks in image areaLosses in image areaAdhesive tape on the imagePhotograph lifting away from the mount/backing

Large Formats

MapsArchitectural DrawingsNewspapersOversized Documents

Mechanisms

HeatLightAutofeed vs. Flatbed vs. Cradles

Best Practices

Clean work areaBook or photograph cradlesWork with preservation staff or conservators

National GalleryColorado Digitization ProgramLibrary of Congress