1) Scanning Equipment & Methods - Colrain Historical

 Scanning Equipment used for the CHS Collections
Scanning is done at the "Old Maps" office in Greenfield where there are 5 different scanners hooked to
a network with several computers. Items scanned can vary in form (books, medallions, paper) and size (a 2" business card, large genealogy chart) , so different scanners are used). 
Before each item is scanned we make sure it has its Item Number written on it, and do any quick repairs needed (old paper especially). Items are named immediately(eg 1402_1 , 2)  so each image, front and back, is numbered. We also check the database to be sure there is not a duplicate number (to err is human). After a scanning session we make a printout of all scans done that day and use that as a checklist to be sure we got everything, and to record the backups. After each scanning session the images are uploaded to the Airtable database so we can keep track of what's been done.
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1)  Brother 8"x14" 2-sided scanner.  3" x 4" x 12"
This is the "workhorse" of our scanning office.  It scans paper items up to legal size (8 1/2 x 14).  It scans both sides , and automatically crops the images.  A huge time saver.

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2) Canon Office Printer/Scanner - 11" x 17"
(large 2' x 3' x 40" tall)

This machine scans thick objects like this book, or an 1880s era mounted photograph.  It also has a bulk scanning feature that does 40+ sheets of paper at once. It scans "ledger" size paper (11"x17") which can't be done on the Brother scanner.

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3) Colortrac wide format    -  up to 40" wide
This large format scanner handles maps, newspapers, and items like old deeds with irregular shapes.  It has it's own computer and monitor attached so we can watch the scan in process to make sure all is well. For delicate items like an ancient newspaper we insert the item into a large transparent sleeve.

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4) IPHONE Cradle       18" x 18" +-
Today's Iphones take good photos so we use them to scan (photograph) unusual shaped objects like photo albums,  framed pictures, jewelry, and etc.This is tricky because of shadows from the photographer and glare on glass, but we have procedures that minimize problems.  Since our scans "inventory scans" (as opposed to high quality "archival scans") this method works fine.

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5) EPSON V550  Hi-Res Color
The Epson is used for high-resolution scans, greater than 600 dpi. We use this, for example, for a 4"x6" family photo where the people's faces are only 1/4" diameter and we want to use the photo for a large wall display. We would scan that at 1200 dpi and if we really want great-uncle Bob's photo closeup the Epson can scan at 2400.  The Epson also scans negatives. We use this machine very rarely as it takes more time than "inventory scan".  High-res scans can be made in the future as we are not discarding the original items.

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