Scanning

The next stage in the production process is to scan the book.

Expert operators load the item in the robot, and use a touch-screen interface to select settings appropriate for the item's binding, page size, page composition, and size. While the DL automatically determines a book's weight, thickness, and dimensions, operators fine tune many settings with an eye towards minimizing wear on the book and producing high quality scans.

Using the book's barcode tracking sheet, the operator configures the DL to save images scanned from the book with the object's ID number as a filename prefix. This links the book's database record to the images created by the DL.

The book is then scanned. Depending on the production specifications for the collection being digitized, the book is scanned in one of two styles: as a single image capturing facing pages of the open book; or as two images, each image capturing a left or right page.

Scanning rates vary depending on the size and condition of the book being scanned. Average books with normal pages and high-quality binding scan at 500-800 pages per hour. Large books and books requiring more delicate handling scan at 100-200 pages per hour.

Scans are saved to a file server via Gigabit Ethernet. With the DL operating at peak speed, the DL consumes disk space at a rate of fifteen to twenty-five gigabytes per hour.

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