Two-Dimensional Manuscripts or Artifacts

Examples:

• Older manuscript on which you want to show signs of aging and/or deterioration
• Annotated document
• Map
• Scale drawing
• Work on paper
• Birthday card/postcard
• Other

Remarks

• Keep a border around the document to allow reframing of the document as well as later modifications (e.g., removing the scale and document number).
• Batch digitization enhances productivity, but does not offer optimal rendering of individual images.
• For documents larger than the surface of the digital scanner use the instructions for normal-sized artifact photography.
• For documents with several pages, consider producing a PDF document from the originals, or from black-and-white copies.

Recommendations

1. 300 ppi, with a minimum of 3,000 pixels for the longest measurement (8 x 10, or 1:1 for formats larger than 8 x 10).
2. Refer to the general guidelines to calculate the number of ppi required for a given dimension.
   Note that it is the original document which measures 8 x 10, not the final digital file.
3. Digitize in reflective mode.
4. Select 48-bit mode on the scanner to capture the maximum number of colours. If this option is not available, 24-bit mode is acceptable.
5. For reference purposes, digitize a colour scale (Kodak Q-14 or Q-60) before each digitization session.
   

   

6. Use a grey background.
7. Digitize the document with a grey or colour scale and, depending on available space, always place it in the same position (ideally lower left).
8. Colour-balance each image as indicated in the general guidelines. If there is no greyscale reference, balance the levels of white in the brightest zone (D-Max), then balance the black in the darkest zone (D-Min).
9. Enlarge the frame by one inch at the bottom, and type the document number in black at the lower right (font: Arial, 40 pts.).
10. Flatten the image (i.e., flatten layers).
11. Convert in Adobe RGB 1998 profile, 8 bits per channel (total 24 bits).
12. Save the image as an uncompressed TIFF, named to standards established by the Corporation's Photo Archives.
13. Produce a JPEG version as described in the general guidelines.