When the bound original needs to be preserved
Non-destructive scanning is suitable when cutting the binding is not an option. This can include library collections, scientific publications and bound business documents.
Narrow inner margins, stiff bindings or fragile pages can make capture difficult. We establish how far the work may be opened and whether all relevant content can be captured. A blanket promise for every original would be inappropriate without this assessment.
How scanning is prepared and carried out
- Assess dimensions, condition and binding using your information and, where useful, sample images
- Agree handling, capture scope, colour and resolution
- Digitise the pages in the agreed order
- Check the output against the agreed criteria and deliver the files
What you receive
You receive digital pages with the agreed names and order. Outputs can include a combined PDF or individual image files. File formats, further processing and quality checks are defined for each project.
An additional OCR text layer makes recognised content searchable. Metadata or segmentation into individual articles can be added when these outputs are needed for further use.
Information to include in your enquiry
Please provide the number of works or an estimated page count, book dimensions and condition. Photographs of the binding, an open spread and difficult areas help us assess the material. Tell us the desired format and whether OCR is needed. Transport and return are agreed before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Is the spine removed?
No. This service preserves the binding. If the original cannot be captured suitably in this way, we agree the next steps before processing.
Is a searchable PDF automatically included?
OCR is an additional step. The proposal specifies whether it is included and the level of checking involved.