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Social Sciences & Humanities Open Marketplace

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Before you start working with material, looking into its legal status is a strict requirement. By doing this, you find out what the originator of the material - be it a picture, a document or an object - allows you to do with the object in terms of (re-)use.

A thorough examination of the object provides insight in which scanning method is the most appropriate one given the type of material, its dimensions and fragility.

Setting requirements for the digital fascimile helps to make sure that it is suitable for intended purposes. This includes defining image file format(s), resoultion, metadata, naming protocol, color schema, etc.

Now that the scanning method and the requirements are set, the imaging procedure can start.

After the imaging has been completed, it is best practice to verify whether the actual digital version aligns with the requirements set earlier. This allows for timely adjustment or re-doing (parts of the) the procedure before the object returns to its place in the archive.

Storing the master files on a trusted location, is a good way to prevent having to rescan an image when requirements change over time (due to new research needs or improved technology which sets higher expectations) or when better post processing methods become available.

Software can be used to enhance the quality of the scanned image. This could be done by - for instance - reducing noise or by deskewing the picture, making it easier to read (both by man and by machine).

After first storing the master file, it is time to store the edited file as well.

Frank Uiterwaal

Reinier de Valk

The digitization process of original objects lies at the core of many activities in the digital humanities field. The way in which a source is digitised, determines to a large extent what kind of information can be gathered from this virtual replica. While there are many complimentary processes which can enrich the the object (metadating, adding augmented layers etc.), these data will build upon the digital fascimile.

Digitizing textual material

Media

Workflow steps(8)

1 Assess legal issues

2 Determine scanning method

3 Define imaging specifications

4 Image the documents

5 Ensure quality control

6 Store master files

7 Post process files

8 Store edited files