Digitise without losing evidence

A good copy supports rereading and recovering context. Separate the preservation file from cropped or enhanced reading copies.

The method, step by step

1. Check repository rules and the object’s fragility. Capture front, back, margins and annotations without forcing bindings. Request suitable reproduction for fragile items.
2. Check sharpness, smallest writing, orientation and glare. Test a page before capturing the whole series and inspect images at actual size.
3. Name files with stable identifier, reference, page and side. Add an inventory with repository, capture date, source and sharing restrictions; filenames cannot hold the full citation.
4. Keep the initial capture and make a separate copy for rotation, contrast or cropping. Document changes; AI reconstruction must remain a separate interpretation, never evidence.