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Guidelines for Electronic Preservation of Visual Materials

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Preservation Versus Access Images
• Imaging Standards
• Digital Image Quality
• Media Longevity Issues Set Aside
• Conclusions

INTRODUCTION

• Digital Imaging and Microfilm
• Aspects of Collection Analysis for Preservation Digitization
  • Material Form -- artifact type, physical peculiarities/features, overall size
  • Content -- Material content, Electronic content
  • Electronic Form -- data encoding/compression, file format
  • Use -- preservation copy, access copy

Guidelines for Preservation Digitization

• Classify incoming materials by material content(s)
• Address issues of material form
• Match electronic content to each material content area
• Match encoding/compression to electronic content and intended use
• Match file format to encoding/compression and intended use
• Factor in economic issues or technology limitations
• A Key Choice for Electronic Content -- Choosing a Scanning Resolution

Scanning and Compression Experiments

• Sample Images Used
• Obtaining Sample Images
• Scanning Resolution Experiments
  • Spatial Resolution
  • Minimum Spatial Resolution
  • Magnified Scans of the Engraving
  • Magnified Scans of Type
  • Tonal Resolution: Grayscale and Binary
  • Low Contrast Bibliographic Card
  • Manuscript Page
  • Carbon Copy
  • Closing Note

Appendixes

• Appendix A. Example Images
• Appendix B. Decision Tree Diagrams
• Appendix C. Workstation Configuration
• Appendix D. A Basic Digital Imaging Glossary
• Appendix E. Bibliography