Is there an inexpensive way to digitize a book?
I have just one (b&w w/ photos) book that I’d like to merge (or merge large portions of) into a web site. It was self-published by a family member who has since deceased, and no one else has copies.
I have an HP all-in-one that has a flatbed scanner, but obviously that would (a) hurt the binding and (b) result in less-than-perfect scans.
Are there inexpensive walk-in or mail-order services who can do something like this? I don’t stand to make any money from the project. And can they do it in such a way that they don’t impact the binding?
There’s a book-binder who lives in my neighborhood. I suppose I could just consult with her and theoretically get her to help me remove and reattach the binding, while I use the flatbed.
I don’t think there is an inexpensive way. The expensive way is big machines that actually flip the pages and photograph them: Perhaps you could try googling for print shops that might let you ship a book to them and they’ll do it for you.
I think you’re gonna be in front a flatbed for a considerable amount of time on this one.
They used to sell hand-held scanners about 6 inches wide, that you could stroke over things to scan them. They looked like little window-washing squeegees, sort of. I’d be tempted to find one of those.
This ebay item:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-Scanman-Handheld-Scanner-Type-B5N-1706_W0QQitemZ190012625960QQihZ009QQcategoryZ3751QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
… is all I could find. They seem to be a dead form-factor, replaced by the “wands” which are too small for the purpose you need it for.
Yeah, that’s what I was initially searching for, but they’re more or less extinct. I’m going to chat up the bookbinder this evening. Our dogs have been getting along famously and she sounds hungry for work, so perhaps she can help me with the rebinding.
I was confused about how you could possibly injure yourself digitizing a book, but I just realized you’re concerned about damaging the book since it’s an irreplaceable bit of family history.
Thought about it some more, and decided an old hand-held’s quality may be lower, but will probably be fine for a low-quality publication and is worth the small financial risk. Will post results later – assuming I can still type without fingers!
I used to use those old hand-helds a bit.
They were really tough to use and get good results from.
I’d strongly recommend a flatbed.
Yeah, as you’ve guessed, the cheapest way is to wait until you do the rebinding, take the loose sheets, and scan them on your flatbed before handing them over to be rebound.
Other than that, overhead digital cameras are the way to go. They’re used for scanning fragile books that would be damaged by “contact digitization,” so there’s a good chance your local university or archives would either have one or know someone who does. Try googling conservationists in your area. If you do find one, you might be able to get them to do the scanning for you as long as they’re not fully booked with other jobs, and it shouldn’t be that expensive (as in, probably less than $100).
I still intend to get an estimate from my neighbor on supporting me in this kind of scenario. If she thinks she can get it rebound back to its original condition (or within 95%) for under $100, this would probably require the least amount of physical effort on my part.
Other than that, overhead digital cameras are the way to go. They’re used for scanning fragile books that would be damaged by “contact digitization,” so there’s a good chance your local university or archives would either have one or know someone who does. Try googling conservationists in your area. If you do find one, you might be able to get them to do the scanning for you as long as they’re not fully booked with other jobs, and it shouldn’t be that expensive (as in, probably less than $100).
Smacks hand on head Why didn’t I think of this? I just bought a Canon Digital Rebel XT, but I lack the supporting overhead equipment or the photographic training. *Runs off to experiment with standard tripod *
Ideally, you’ll want a tripod with a reversible center column, so that you can form a teepee over the book with the tripod. The head and camera are then inside the tent, pointing straight down at the book. If you live in Austin, you’re welcome to borrow any of my kit.
