Digitization: A method of preserving library resources By Edgardo Quiros The National Library

What is Digitization? Digitalization is another termDigitalization is another term Digital conversion is also used alternativelyDigital conversion is also used alternatively Scanning refers to digitization of documents using scannersScanning refers to digitization of documents using scanners It is the conversion of analog information into digital formats or 0s and 1s.It is the conversion of analog information into digital formats or 0s and 1s.

Methods EncodingEncoding ScannerScanner Digital cameraDigital camera Digital video cameraDigital video camera Digital audio recordersDigital audio recorders Analog device converters with software digital captureAnalog device converters with software digital capture

What can be digitized? Paper-based information including text, graphics, pictures, maps, and photographsPaper-based information including text, graphics, pictures, maps, and photographs Audio materialsAudio materials Video materialsVideo materials Moving pictures or FilmsMoving pictures or Films MicroformsMicroforms Art objects including other 3-D objectsArt objects including other 3-D objects

Digitization in preservation Capture the current state of the materialsCapture the current state of the materials The captured state in digital format is not affected by elementsThe captured state in digital format is not affected by elements Using digital copies instead of originals helps eliminate wear and tearUsing digital copies instead of originals helps eliminate wear and tear Theft of original is virtually eliminatedTheft of original is virtually eliminated

Digitization in preservation Copies of analog copying deteriorates per copyCopies of analog copying deteriorates per copy Constant analog copying of the original increases the speed of materials deteriorationConstant analog copying of the original increases the speed of materials deterioration Reproduction is the better optionReproduction is the better option

Digitization in preservation Copies of digital copying does not loss it qualityCopies of digital copying does not loss it quality No need to copy the originalNo need to copy the original No need for reproductionNo need for reproduction

Indirect benefits Originals can be located in secure placeOriginals can be located in secure place Originals can be moved into an archival facilityOriginals can be moved into an archival facility Digital copies can be delivered via InternetDigital copies can be delivered via Internet No need for staff/s in check-in or check-out of documentsNo need for staff/s in check-in or check-out of documents No need for frequent inventoryNo need for frequent inventory

Indirect benefits Copies can be made in minutes with less effort from staff.Copies can be made in minutes with less effort from staff. Time savings can be diverted into care and maintenance of originalsTime savings can be diverted into care and maintenance of originals

Problems in digitization Improper digitization process is a source of natural deterioration and damageImproper digitization process is a source of natural deterioration and damage Improper use of equipment and facilities can cause more damage than natural elementsImproper use of equipment and facilities can cause more damage than natural elements Digitization without clear goals is at risk of failureDigitization without clear goals is at risk of failure

Problems in digitization Poor output of digitization is not due to digitization but due to incomplete appreciation of digitization processPoor output of digitization is not due to digitization but due to incomplete appreciation of digitization process Cost of digitization increases when work efficiency is lowCost of digitization increases when work efficiency is low Quality is determined by the intentions or goals of digitizationQuality is determined by the intentions or goals of digitization

Cautionaries Avoid consulting IT persons and salepersons who does not have solid background in digitization.Avoid consulting IT persons and salepersons who does not have solid background in digitization. When dealing with commercial organization, check the qualifications of their technical personnelWhen dealing with commercial organization, check the qualifications of their technical personnel Digitization is not the expertise of IT professionalDigitization is not the expertise of IT professional

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