How can books and fragile documents be scanned without damage?

Bound, fragile and historical documents should be scanned with contactless scanners. The device captures an image from above without touching the document, automatically corrects the page curvature of an open book and can crop several documents in a single scan. In this way, the transfer to the digital archive is made without straining the binding or the paper.

What problem arises when scanning books?

On a flatbed scanner, the book has to be pressed down on the glass. This movement forces the binding open and creates a risk of tearing and breaking on fragile pages. In addition, because the page curves towards the edge in an open book, the image is curved and distorted. Contactless scanning solves both problems together.

How does a contactless book scanner work?

• The book rests open and comfortably in a custom-made book cradle.
• The device above captures the image of the page; there is no physical contact with the document.
• The curve of open books and magazines is corrected automatically.
• Several documents can be cropped automatically in a single scan.

What features does the ScanSnap SV600 offer?

Dijital Yazılım offers the ScanSnap SV600 together with a custom-made book cradle. For documents thicker than 5 mm, an area of up to 400 × 300 mm is scanned. The connection is USB 3.0 compatible and also works at USB 2.0 speed. Details of the device are on our delicate document and book scanner page.

When are high-speed document scanners preferred?

For high-volume stacks of unbound, durable documents, Canon, Fujitsu and Kodak high-speed document scanners are more efficient. Separate scanners are needed for large-format sheets and project drawings. If a project contains both fragile and high-volume documents, the two methods are used together. For brand and support information, see the high-speed document scanners page.

How do documents become usable after scanning?

Scanning alone is not an archive; the images must be indexed and made searchable. Scanned files are indexed with document type, date and subject information and transferred to a management system accessed according to authorisation. You can find the whole process in the digital archive setup guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why is contactless scanning important?

Scanning without touching the document or book does not damage the binding or the paper; it is the safest method for historical and fragile materials.

Can the page curvature of an open book be corrected?

Yes. The curvature that forms when the book is open is corrected automatically.

Where should you start with your archive?

If you are not sure which step to begin with, we start the first meeting with a feasibility study and an inventory. The digital archive assessment and the initial meeting are free of charge; you can fill in the form on the contact page or call +90 (212) 588 51 44.