Solutions for library collection digitization: The experience of the Far Eastern Federal University Scientific Library

Abstract

The experience of the E-library Department of the Far Eastern Federal University Scientific Library in digitizing the library collections is examined. The technological problems are discussed. The choice of TIFF graphic format for scanning and the PDF – for storing user copies is substantiated. Free license program IrfanView, a graph editor with a scanning embedded function which speeds up and smoothens the process, is suggested as an alternative scanner software. To ease and speed up the labor-intensive process of graphic images editing to supplement standard software, the author suggests to use FastStone Image Viewer, a free license program. The FastStone Image Viewer offers the useful function of edited graphic images batch processing, in particular conversion to PDF with simultaneous document compression which saves the digital depository storage volume. The suggested alternative programs, online resources, and methods to eliminate scanning defects, as described by the author, would significantly lighten the work of digitization specialist.