At Anderson Archival, we understand the importance of preserving history with the utmost care and precision. Our motto, “Do it right the first time,” drives us because for historical materials there may not be a second chance. This principle guides us in selecting the best tools for scanning a wide variety of materials, ensuring that each piece of history is captured accurately and safely.
The Right Tools for Digitization
Selecting the appropriate tool for scanning is crucial, as each type of material presents unique challenges. While we use the word scanning, for most of our solutions we utilize cameras to photograph each page, item, surface. Here’s a closer look at the specialized tools we use to ensure the highest quality digitization:
1. Copy Table
For materials that lie flat, a copy table provides a simple yet effective solution. The flat surface ensures that documents and photos are captured without distortion, making it ideal for unbound materials that can be laid flat for scanning.
2. Split-Level Base
Bound materials require special care to avoid damage to the spine and pages. A split-level, air-compressor-powered base is designed to support bound items by automatically adjusting to shifts in the book’s weight and position. This ensures the spine is protected while each page is scanned with precision.
3. Glass Plate
When dealing with materials that need to be held flat for scanning, a glass plate can be gently pressed against the surface. This method is particularly useful for documents or photos that may have slight curls or bends, allowing for a clear and even capture.
4. Vacuum Table
For folded or rolled materials, a vacuum table provides a gentle yet effective solution. By using suction to hold the material flat, it ensures that every detail is captured without the risk of creases or folds interfering with the scan. This tool is perfect for historical maps, newspapers, or other large-format documents.
5. V-Cradle
Some bound materials cannot lie flat even with split-level surfaces. In these cases, a V-cradle holds the book in a V shape, allowing each page to be scanned individually without causing stress or damage to the binding. This is especially important for fragile or rare books.
At Anderson Archival, we recognize each collection is unique and deserves personalized care. Sometimes, a non-rare, non-historical collection does not require such hand-processed rigor. By choosing the right tools and techniques, we ensure historical documents are preserved accurately, providing invaluable resources for future generations, and deploying costs on materials that warrant high touch.
Whether you are a family historian or an expert in archives and digitization, our commitment to doing it right the first time guarantees your treasured materials are in the best hands. For more information on our services and how we can assist with your digitization needs, contact us directly. Let’s preserve history together, one capture at a time.
