Digitization of Photographs

Abstract

Developing preservation strategies for photographic materials require specific expertise on storage, environment, package materials and conservation treatments. Many digitization projects for photographs grew out of project primarily dealing with text. Digitization of photographs:- Obviously digitization is considered to be very attractive by institutions that hold photographic collections. When digital copies are available, users can browse through a collection without handling fragile materials. Creating an adequate digital representation of a (historical) photograph requires expert knowledge of imaging techniques as well as photographic processes. The present paper describes in detail the methods and procedures adopted by The ‘Collage’-project, The Public Record Office Library, Victoria and Albert Museum (UK), The British Library (UK) and Stadt- und Universitätsbibliothek Frankfurt for conservation of their photographic collection. It also highlights the unique properties of photographs and narrates the care to be taken before digitizing this material.