When it comes to digitization, not all documents are created equal. While standard-sized papers and books are relatively easy to scan and archive, oversized materials—like historical maps, architectural drawings, posters, and large-format bound books—present a unique set of challenges. At Anderson Archival, we’ve made it our mission to meet those challenges head-on.
What Are Oversized Materials?
Oversized materials are any documents that exceed the dimensions of standard scanning equipment. These include:
- Maps and nautical charts
- Posters and broadsides
- Blueprints and architectural plans
- Large-format books, atlases, and ledgers
- Scrapbooks and genealogical charts
- Newspapers and periodicals in broadsheet format
These items are often historically significant, visually rich, and physically fragile—making them both valuable and vulnerable.
Why Oversized Digitization Is So Rare
Many digitization providers simply don’t offer oversized scanning. Why? Because it requires:
- Specialized equipment capable of handling large dimensions without compromising resolution
- Custom workflows to accommodate fragile or bound materials
- Expertise in archival handling to ensure preservation during the digitization process
At Anderson Archival, we’ve invested in the tools and training necessary to digitize oversized items safely, accurately, and at archival quality.
Our Experience with Oversized Digitization
We’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients to preserve their oversized collections:
- For the National World War I Museum and Memorial, we digitized a collection of oversized wartime posters, ensuring these powerful visual artifacts are preserved and accessible for future generations.
- We partnered with the St. Louis County Library to digitize a series of historical maps, capturing every detail with precision and care.
- Our team has scanned blueprints and architectural drawings for corporations seeking to preserve legacy designs and engineering records.
- We’ve also helped families and businesses digitize oversized albums and scrapbooks, transforming fragile, one-of-a-kind collections into searchable, shareable digital archives.
These projects reflect our commitment to preserving oversized materials with the same level of care and attention we bring to every archival effort.
The Anderson Archival Approach to Oversized Digitization
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions—especially when it comes to oversized materials. Our process includes:
- Initial consultation to assess the size, condition, and goals for your collection
- White-glove handling by trained archival technicians
- High-resolution scanning using large-format flatbeds or overhead capture systems
- Image enhancement and metadata tagging for easy search and retrieval
- Secure digital delivery in your preferred format, with optional long-term preservation services
Whether you’re a museum digitizing a collection of 19th-century maps or a private collector preserving a family scrapbook, we tailor our services to your needs.
Why Oversized Digitization Matters
Digitizing oversized materials isn’t just about convenience—it’s about access, preservation, and legacy. Once digitized, these materials can:
- Be shared with researchers and the public
- Be included in digital exhibits and grant applications
- Be protected from physical degradation and disaster
- Be indexed and searched for specific content
In short, digitization transforms oversized items from fragile artifacts into accessible, enduring digital assets.
Ready to Digitize Your Oversized Collection?
If you’re searching for oversized digitization services, large-format scanning, or map and poster digitization, Anderson Archival is your trusted partner. We’re one of the few firms in the country that offers this level of specialized service—and we do it with the care and precision your materials deserve.
