Digitization is a complex business involving not only image capture, transcription, indexing and delivery but also technical issues around online presentation, digital file management and digital preservation. At the same time, digitization projects are high-risk ventures where successful implementation is critical. While much has been written on the various elements of digitization, the practical aspects have often been neglected. These practical details are significant not only in safeguarding the collection during image capture but also in ensuring that image capture runs smoothly and successfully.

Preparing Collections for Digitization aims to address this perceived gap in the literature by focusing on the actual image capture operation with particular emphasis on all matters concerning the preservation and preparation of the original documents. It is intended that this book should complement rather than replace existing publications. Wider issues such as metadata capture, delivery systems and project management in general are equally significant but since they are covered amply elsewhere they are not addressed here.

Since this book focuses on preservation issues it is aimed specifically at the person with responsibility for preservation of the collection, referred to in the text as the collection manager. In larger institutions this may be the head of the conservation department; in smaller institutions it could be a senior archivist or librarian, a curator or registrar. The collection manager is not necessarily a conservator and so professional jargon is avoided, but it is assumed that the reader is acquainted with basic principles of preservation such as the importance of good storage, housing and handling. There are some processes that should only be carried out by a trained conservator and these are clearly indicated in the text. While this book is of primary relevance to the collection manager it is hoped that it would also be of use to those who manage digitization projects as it provides a valuable insight into preservation concerns. Much of the guidance given here would also be useful for those in the information management industry who seek to work with heritage institutions on digitization projects.