Digitisation projects at the University of Cape Town Libraries

Abstract

Staff at the Manuscripts and Archives Department of the University of Cape Town Libraries began digitising selected material in 2001. Although digitisation is not necessarily a preservation option, some projects have been chosen to reduce handling of fragile original material. Digital copies have also helped to make slides more accessible. In order to gain experience in scanning of diverse media, projects have deliberately been kept small. It has been found that management of scanned images is as important as the process of scanning. Adequate planning, correct storage procedures and accurate metadata are essential to the success of a project.

Innovation Vol. 30 2005: 32-42