Digital images are "electronic photographs" scanned from original documents. A digital image can accurately render the information, layout, and presentation of the original, including typefaces, annotations, and illustrations. Although digital-imaging technology has been available for some time, its widespread use occurred only in the 1990s as technical advances led to improved image capture, lower costs, and greater accessibility.

There has been a great deal of attention paid to digital imaging over the last few years, and some pressure has been placed on librarians and preservation professionals to relinquish microfilm in favor of a technology that greatly improves access. However, some fervent advocates of the technology have scant understanding of what is involved in scanning images and preserving them. Digital imaging is expensive; labor costs associated with identifying, preparing, inspecting, and indexing digital information far exceed the costs of the scan itself.

Preservation professionals must ensure that the process of scanning does not damage an artifact, and that the scanning apparatus is appropriate to that artifact. For example, a fragile book should not be crushed down onto a flat-bed scanner. Preservation professionals should establish a conservation plan for each artifact or group of materials to be scanned. The plan of work would include the following:

• Training scanning technicians in the safe handling of artifacts, for example, wearing cotton gloves when handling photographs. Examining artifacts to identify damage risks such as fragile surfaces, tears, soiling, and mold or insect holes.
• The basic treatment of the artifacts by flattening, surface cleaning to remove soiling, the repair of tears and losses, and other treatments that are likely to cause damage to the artifact and reduce the quality of scanned images.
• Ensuring adequate security in the scanning area to protect artifacts from unauthorized handling and possible theft.
• Developing a post-scan housing plan to ensure stability of storage.

Ensuring that artifacts are in appropriate condition for handling by researchers. In some cases, the widespread appearance of digital images has stimulated interest in viewing original artifacts.

Click on the links below to learn more about Digital imaging:

1. Unigue Properties of Digital Technology
2. Pros and Cons of Digital
3. Related Reading