3. Things to Consider Before Scanning

Before scanning each item, spend a few moments browsing through it. Properly planning your approach to the item and its condition will drastically reduce all kinds of problems down the road!

SCANNING APPROACH

What is the nature of the item and what is the best way to scan it? Some considerations:

• Page type
  • Can all the pages be scanned using one type of setting, or will you have to adjust your settings during the job?
  • If you will have to make adjustments during the job, plan them out before you start.
• Margins
  • Margin size affects how tight your cropping will be (check all pages)
  • Look for page numbers and any other relevant info
• Mounts and supports
  • How to utilize them to make the best scans possible
• Special situations
  • Foldouts
  • Torn pages
  • Transparent pages

CONDITION

Can the item be safely scanned without treatment? What measures can you take to avoid damaging the item during scanning?

• Review and adhere to the Book Handling Guidelines located in the binder in the Digitization Lab and on the Digital Projects website
• Use the tools provided to make the book as comfortable as possible.
• If the item is too brittle or fragile to scan, bring it to Robyn, Kate or Dan
• When in doubt, consult your supervisor or Book Conservation staff before scanning or as soon as a problem arises.

DON’T FORGET

• Take breaks! Never rush through a job because you are hungry, bored, tired, cold, etc. As soon as you feel yourself getting hasty, stop what you’re doing and come back later.
• Take the time to get the positioning of the physical item and the clip right at the very beginning of the job. This will save time, ensure consistency, and maintain your sanity.
• Examine each JPEG before you move on to the next scan.
• Proof your work using a “Job Finalization Checklist” slip.