Educate And Train People In The Use Of Digital Imaging Collections

Enhancing network dissemination of digital resources goes hand-in-hand with educating people about using the technology. CIDC staff participate in workshops to train faculty, museum and library professionals, archivists, and corporate personnel in how to use digital technology to create images, build virtual collections, and put these collections online. Because digital technology is so adaptable, CIDC staff provide users with tools and templates so that they can customize collections for their particular uses. Classes can be offered on campus, and online tutorials will also be developed for remote access. The versatility of digital technology demands a flexible environment.

The Digital Imaging Process

Using imaging technologies such as digital cameras and flatbed, film, and overhead scanners, documents are reproduced in digital form. the high resolution scanning creates accurate facsimiles of original documents and artwork, capturing antiquated typefaces, original layout, handwriting, illuminations, line drawings, color, brush strokes, and other unique qualities of the works.  The scanned image is then incorporated into an online collection.  Typically small images of items in a collection are accessed first; larger versions can be retrieved on command.   The digital gallery may be supplemented by descriptive, historical, of biographical text.  Users can search for images and information, and the ability to print copies permits objects n the collections to be studied more closely offline.