Still Image Digitization for Heritage Institutions

This online workshop is designed for workers or volunteers in cultural heritage institutions who are seeking basic training on scanning practices and standards for reflective objects and small transparencies. Topics include digital imaging concepts, equipment and materials selection, verification of specifications claimed by vendors, software selection and use, general considerations for archiving and publishing, digitization workflow, project planning and project management. This workshop adheres to the Federal Agencies Digital Guidelines Initiative’s (FADGI) technical guidelines.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this online workshop, participants will be able to:

• determine what equipment is appropriate for various still image applications, select materials for scanning and prepare a digitization workspace
• outline the steps of the digitization workflow
• resolve common scanning issues (such as poor signal-to-noise ratios, skew, image artifacts and moiré)
• apply the concepts they have learned in order to develop a digitization policy and plan for their institution

What to expect

The online workshop comprises four 2-hour sessions delivered over the course of two months. Optional activities (up to one hour) may be assigned between sessions.

Target audience

This workshop is well suited to workers or volunteers in cultural heritage institutions who are seeking basic training on scanning practices and standards for reflective objects and small transparencies. Although some administrative tasks are addressed, the workshop mainly focusses on hands-on digitization activities.

Enrolment limits

Minimum 10, maximum 30

Applicants can apply individually or as a team of two people from the same institution.

Priority will be given to members of the heritage community based in Canada who are planning a digitization project.

Special requirements

Workshop participants are encouraged to use their own equipment to practise at their own pace between sessions.

Participants must have the following equipment and software:

• A computer (Demonstrations will be run on a PC.)
• The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP), a free and open-source image editing software

The following equipment and software are optional for participating in scanning demonstrations:

• A charge-coupled device (CCD) slide and film scanner (Do not purchase one for this workshop, as we will discuss scanner acquisition.)
• A flatbed scanner (Do not purchase one for this workshop, as we will discuss scanner acquisition.)
• IT8 colour targets (R1 or RF will be used in the demonstrations.)
• A VueScan Pro subscription (CAN$120) (Please note that the pro features are essential in the demonstrations given.)

Register

To apply, consult the Learning activities page.