Digital Assets Discussion Group: Digital Imaging Guidelines

Digital Imaging Introduction
Project Planning Considerations and Guidelines
Digital Imaging Project Cycle
Technological
Intellectual Management
The Physical Artifact(s)

The Physical Artifact(s)

Often the reason a collection of objects has been chosen for digital reformatting and made available over the World Wide Web is because it is rare, unusual and/or unique. Digital reformatting increases access to unique artifacts and contributes to the dissemination of intellectual materials. While improved access is always desirable, when considering a digital reformatting project it is vital to consider the costs of the project in terms of the integrity of the physical artifact. Consider these questions.

Is it possible that the digital imaging process will:

result in any deleterious affects that will compromise the integrity of the physical artifact?

cause irreparable damage to the physical collection?

diminish its value in anyway?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’ then it is necessary to consult with experts.

Preservation and conservation of physical artifacts is always a primary consideration in any digital reformatting project. Conservators and preservation professionals can assess the condition of a physical artifact and advise on how the item should be treated during the digitization process. Additionally, conservators can stabilize materials that are fragile so that they can undergo digitization. The University of Texas at Austin is fortunate to have a well developed preservation and conservation community. Through the conservators working at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center and the Preservation and Conservation Studies Program a number of options exist for involving a conservator in the planning process for a digital reformatting project.