Continuing our discussion of newspaper digitization, we have arrived at the scanning stage.  The pioneer newspaper project scans in-house while the NDNP project will be outsourcing their scanning. Let’s talk about in-house scanning first:

Pioneer Newspaper Project scanning (in-house):

This project focuses on newspapers from the territorial period of the state starting with the Columbian (the state’s first newspaper) in 1852 through Washington’s Statehood (1889). Much of this film is older and was created before microfilming standards so we take more time during scanning and processing. While the in-house method can be a much slower and more tedious process, it gives us more control over the output, we can adjust the scan to the differing qualities of each page of the paper.

The scanner: We use a Nikon Super CoolScan 9000 ED film scanner. Though it is equivalent to a high-end consumer-grade film scanner, it is not a dedicated commercial-grade microfilm scanner. For example, the film doesn’t roll during scanning and the optical resolution of 4000 ppi only allows us to scan pages reduced up to 13x to ensure at least 300 ppi output (4000 ppi divided by a 300 ppi minimum = 13.33 reduction ratio). However, this project has been a great foray into microfilm digitization and an example of how one scanner and dedicated volunteers can accomplish a great deal.

Evaluation: Before we order duplicates negatives of the film we evaluate the positive film for legibility, contrast, filming errors, and digital collation. The metadata created during this process is the basis from which we scan.

Duplication: We then order a duplicate of the microfilm reel, preferably a silver halide negative copy, or second generation master.  We cut the film into strips to fit in the film scanner (eek! some purists might say but don’t worry, it’s just a copy).

Scanning: During scanning we adjust levels for optimal legibility and tonal range. This is done on a page by page basis. While it would be nice to have a baseline image setting to calibrate our scanner, the film is too varied. We end up with an image which best suits each page. Impediments to speed can become assets to quality. Some call this “boutique” scanning. We call it “avoiding the hand scans.” The result being such that when we work with such varied film, we can take our time, adjust our scanning and improve legibility during post-processing (something we’ll talk about in a later post).

Next, Laura will talk about the process of outsourcing scanning in the context of our NDNP grant.