Digitization:Digitization:A method of preserving A method of preserving library resourceslibrary resources

By

Edgardo Quiros

The National Library

What is Digitization?What is Digitization?

• Digitalization is another termDigitalization is another term• Digital conversion is also used Digital conversion is also used

alternativelyalternatively• Scanning refers to digitization of Scanning refers to digitization of

documents using scannersdocuments using scanners• It is the conversion of analog It is the conversion of analog

information into digital formats or information into digital formats or 0s and 1s.0s and 1s.

MethodsMethods

• EncodingEncoding• ScannerScanner• Digital cameraDigital camera• Digital video cameraDigital video camera• Digital audio recordersDigital audio recorders• Analog device converters with Analog device converters with

software digital capturesoftware digital capture

What can be digitized?What can be digitized?

• Paper-based information including text, Paper-based information including text, graphics, pictures, maps, and graphics, pictures, maps, and photographsphotographs

• 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 preservationDigitization in preservation

• Capture the current state of the Capture the current state of the materialsmaterials

• The captured state in digital format is The captured state in digital format is not affected by elementsnot affected by elements

• Using digital copies instead of originals Using digital copies instead of originals helps eliminate wear and tearhelps eliminate wear and tear

• Theft of original is virtually eliminatedTheft of original is virtually eliminated

Digitization in preservationDigitization in preservation

• Copies of analog copying Copies of analog copying deteriorates per copydeteriorates per copy

• Constant analog copying of the Constant analog copying of the original increases the speed of original increases the speed of materials deteriorationmaterials deterioration

• Reproduction is the better optionReproduction is the better option

Digitization in preservationDigitization in preservation

• Copies of digital copying does not Copies of digital copying does not loss it qualityloss it quality

• No need to copy the originalNo need to copy the original• No need for reproductionNo need for reproduction

Indirect benefitsIndirect benefits

• Originals can be located in secure placeOriginals can be located in secure place• Originals can be moved into an archival Originals can be moved into an archival

facilityfacility• Digital copies can be delivered via Digital copies can be delivered via

InternetInternet• No need for staff/s in check-in or check-No need for staff/s in check-in or check-

out of documentsout of documents• No need for frequent inventoryNo need for frequent inventory

Indirect benefitsIndirect benefits

• Copies can be made in minutes Copies can be made in minutes with less effort from staff.with less effort from staff.

• Time savings can be diverted into Time savings can be diverted into care and maintenance of originalscare and maintenance of originals

Problems in digitizationProblems in digitization

• Improper digitization process is a Improper digitization process is a source of natural deterioration and source of natural deterioration and damagedamage

• Improper use of equipment and Improper use of equipment and facilities can cause more damage facilities can cause more damage than natural elementsthan natural elements

• Digitization without clear goals is at Digitization without clear goals is at risk of failurerisk of failure

Problems in digitizationProblems in digitization

• Poor output of digitization is not due to Poor output of digitization is not due to digitization but due to incomplete digitization but due to incomplete appreciation of digitization processappreciation of digitization process

• Cost of digitization increases when work Cost of digitization increases when work efficiency is lowefficiency is low

• Quality is determined by the intentions Quality is determined by the intentions or goals of digitizationor goals of digitization

CautionariesCautionaries

• Avoid consulting IT persons and Avoid consulting IT persons and salepersons who does not have solid salepersons who does not have solid background in digitization.background in digitization.

• When dealing with commercial When dealing with commercial organization, check the qualifications of organization, check the qualifications of their technical personneltheir technical personnel

• Digitization is not the expertise of IT Digitization is not the expertise of IT professionalprofessional

- F I N ! -- F I N ! -