Knowledge Centre • Books & Bound Materials

What Is Non-Destructive Book Scanning?

Capturing a bound book without cutting, unbinding or damaging the original.

A preservation-led approach using supported cradles and overhead or reprographic capture. It is suited to rare, valuable, historic and personal books that need to remain intact.

Professional guidance: The Library of Congress advises against forcing books flat and recommends cradle support for weak joints or restricted openings.

Non-destructive book scanning

The right method depends on the physical construction, condition and purpose of the book. Non-destructive capture keeps significant originals intact; destructive capture can be appropriate for approved modern production work.

Types of material covered

Rare and antique books

Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.

Family and heirloom books

Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.

Diaries and journals

Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.

Leather-bound volumes

Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.

Fragile books

Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.

Restricted-opening books

Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.

Key considerations

  • Rare and antique books
  • Family and heirloom books
  • Diaries and journals
  • Leather-bound volumes
  • Fragile books
  • Restricted-opening books

Need advice on a book or bound collection?

Oxford Duplication Centre can advise on the safest and most appropriate method for published, heritage, family and archival books.