What Is Rare Book Scanning?
Rare books need a preservation-led approach that protects the binding, paper, illustrations and other significant features.
Rare books should be treated as collection objects rather than ordinary documents. Capture should avoid unnecessary stress and preserve plates, foldouts, colour and marginalia.
Rare book digitisation
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
Antique books
Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.
First editions
Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.
Signed books
Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.
Special collections
Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.
Local history books
Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.
Collectors' books
Considered within the specialist workflow for this type of bound material.
Key considerations
- Antique books
- First editions
- Signed books
- Special collections
- Local history books
- Collectors' 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.