tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434701420960162731.post3142422756998739493..comments2024-03-13T08:05:38.770+00:00Comments on The GENES Blog: Photography - archives need to move with the timesChris Patonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05073425769475523109noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434701420960162731.post-26730444608654963462013-05-28T12:36:57.636+01:002013-05-28T12:36:57.636+01:00A similar debate is also going on in the US, as ev...A similar debate is also going on in the US, as evidenced by a recent New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/21/science/new-research-tools-kick-up-dust-in-archives.html?ref=science&_r=0<br /><br />Although "Capture and Release: Digital Cameras in the Reading Room," was published in 2010"<br />http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eoclc%2Eorg%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fresearch%2Fpublications%2Flibrary%2F2010%2F2010-05%2Epdf&urlhash=mJ5r&_t=tracking_disc was published in 2010, I am not sure how many archives have implemented the recommendations.<br /><br />I would like to see every archive provide stands and lighting to help me take good quality images. Also, provision of film/fiche scanners to replace ageing, cranky film readers would be greatly beneficial. These scanners are easier to use and produce good quality images rather than the often un-useable printouts we have to make do with.<br /><br />What do I do with paper copies when I get home? Scan them.<br /><br />I am not saying that archives don't have other issues to address, but to me, digital copying is plain good service.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434701420960162731.post-14484274554128984392013-05-27T16:27:58.849+01:002013-05-27T16:27:58.849+01:00I suspect a scanner won't be allowed (suspect ...I suspect a scanner won't be allowed (suspect that's waaayyy too 21st century for NRS!), but you would need to clarify with them. On getting a clear image with a camera, one tip is to ask for a table closer to the window. With more light there is a better chance of a clearer image, as the shutter speed will be quicker. The staff have been nothing but helpful in trying to get the best images possible.<br /><br />I've not used the stand, as I prefer to be able to photograph handheld, as I can image material quicker and also move around a document rather than having to move the document itself (some docs I recently photographed were about three foot in length!). Although hand held does still occasionally lead to a blurry image, I have a wee gadget that allows me to plug the memory card from my camera into my iPad, instantly allowing me to see if the docs are all legible - and if not, I'll quickly redo it.Chris Patonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05073425769475523109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434701420960162731.post-16000939237636406652013-05-27T15:50:31.460+01:002013-05-27T15:50:31.460+01:00My digital snapshot taker isn't very sophistic...My digital snapshot taker isn't very sophisticated and seems to please itself whether or not it produces a clear image. It's only about 4" wide so I've never thought of taking it with me to NAS and GROS as I suspect it won't fit in the camera stand. Do you know if it does?<br /><br />Also I've recently acquired a brilliant gadget - a Skypix handheld stick scanner. Do you know if these are ok to use in NRS - provided the document isn't too delicate to copy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434701420960162731.post-79807790418398199232013-05-27T12:36:31.439+01:002013-05-27T12:36:31.439+01:00Possibly, though I know that when I photograph doc...Possibly, though I know that when I photograph documents there may be particular aspects I wish to copy - not necessarily always the whole document. It would also entail having to have some sort of storage facility for the user images. On the other hand, it absolutely would save on wear and tear, and an online digital deposit scheme would certainly be useful. Archivists always insist on anything they do as being of 'archive standards' but if something was clearly labelled as 'patron submissions, user beware!', that would certainly be a useful tool. <br /><br />TNA used to have a great Wiki site where transcribed docs could go (Your Archives), helped me enormously with one of my projects. The lack of ability for us as users to contribute is something I flagged at the conference. I think it is something that might be addressed to a degree by the new Scotland Online project, but I will know more about that soon, and will hopefully be able to share in due course!<br /><br />ChrisChris Patonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05073425769475523109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434701420960162731.post-76508963721304592562013-05-27T08:52:15.070+01:002013-05-27T08:52:15.070+01:00One solution might be to require that any photogra...One solution might be to require that any photographs be supplied to the institution so that any particular document is only handled once - after that only a pressing reason would result in allowing the document to be re-handled - the photograph would be supplied to the subsequent requestors.Dallashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15952714342046291294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-434701420960162731.post-15183483689062265702013-05-25T19:17:41.656+01:002013-05-25T19:17:41.656+01:00The important/obvious argument of photography bypa...The important/obvious argument of photography bypassing the wear and tear on old documents when needing to be physically handled over and over again... So clear. Hopefully this can be resolved soon! Celia Lewishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04096301290962083820noreply@blogger.com