Message-Id: <mailto:199505051905.OAA17981@library.wustl.edu> Date: Fri, 5 May 1995 15:07:32 -0400 From: jlenze <mailto:jlenze@MACOMB.LIB.MI.US> Subject: Re: Scanning Res. & bits and microfilm To: Multiple recipients of list IMAGELIB
Tanya Brun <mailto:BRUN@BINAH.CC.BRANDEIS.EDU> wrote:> We have started a project here at Brandeis scanning papers from the Andrei
> Sakharov Archives. The materials in the archives consist of typescript,
> manuscripts, and some photos. We are scanning at 400 dpi resolution in
> grayscale primarily, with some materials in color. We are using 400 dpi
> resolution with the intent that microfilm can be produced from the
> digitized images in the future.
> We are interested in hearing from others whether 400 dpi 8-bit grayscale
> and color images are considered sufficient for this purpose, or whether we
> should increase our scan resolution to say 600 dpi grayscale and true color
> for preservation-quality microfilm. Any recommendation will be appreciated.
The question is really one of priorities. If your highest priority is preservation of the intellectual content of the materials, then you would be best to microfilm first from the originals, and then create your electronic images. If access or costs are higher priorities for you, then you may indeed want to scan first and then create microfilm from the electronic images. (See _Preservation of Electronic Formats & Electronic Formats for Preservation_ / edited by Janice Mohlhenrich. Fort Atkinson, WI : Highsmith Press, c.1993. ISBN 0-917846-17-6.)
"mailto:Walter_Gilbert@UMAIL.UMD.EDU--Maryland" <WALT@UMDD.BITNET> wrote: >
> My question is: With such high-quality scanning, why duplicate your information
> on a just slightly post Civil War technology (microfilm)? (OK, OK, maybe
> World War I.)
> Walt
The main reason to have a microfilm record of the material is for preservation. There are preservation standards for microfilm, which if followed ensure us that the intellectual content will remain intact for approximately 500 yrs. Digital images are great for many things, but there is no preservation standard! We can't even agree on what resolution to use when creating our images. Consider the fact that you can use today's equipment to view microfilms created years ago, equipment which is in many libraries and archives across the country. Consider how many computer formats have become obsolete in a much shorter period of time. (See the much cited article by Jeff Rosenberg in _Scientific American_ (Jan. 1995))
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James B Lenze, Librarian/Archivist home: Roseville Public Library work: (810) 445-5407 29777 GRATIOT AVE fax: (810) 445-5499 ROSEVILLE MI 48066 email: mailto:jlenze@macomb.lib.mi.us