Digitization:

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

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

3. Methods • Encoding • Scanner • Digital camera • Digital video camera • Digital audio recorders • Analog device converters with software digital capture

4. What can be digitized? • Paper-based information including text, graphics, pictures, maps, and photographs • Audio materials • Video materials • Moving pictures or Films • Microforms • Art objects including other 3-D objects

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

6. Digitization in preservation • Copies of analog copying deteriorates per copy • Constant analog copying of the original increases the speed of materials deterioration • Reproduction is the better option

7. Digitization in preservation • Copies of digital copying does not loss it quality • No need to copy the original • No need for reproduction

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

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

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

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

12. Cautionaries • 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 personnel • Digitization is not the expertise of IT professional

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