There's a new way for researchers in the Lane Medical Archives to quickly and easily reproduce the valuable historical documents in the archives' collections. A new digital imaging station is the latest in a series of ongoing improvements in the archives.
The digital imaging station includes a large-format flat-bed scanner, a digital camera with tripod, and a computer connected to the Internet and that features both Photoshop and Acrobat Adobe.
Researchers interested in digitizing materials in the archives would sign a form accepting responsibility for observing copyright, and would then be free to digitally reproduce archival materials free of charge. Researchers can then email their digital images to themselves, using the computer provided.
Some archival materials might not be allowed to be digitized due to their fragile physical condition, but digital copies can be made of a tremendous amount of fascinating archival holdings, making the archives' collections easier to use and more accessible to researchers. Because researchers can consult digital reproductions of the works that interest them, it will also mean less handling and damage to the originals.
Additionally, the digital imaging station will be used by archives staff to create future exhibits and to increase the number of digital reproductions from the archives that will be available online.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment in the Lane Archives, please contact the Historical Curator, Drew Bourn, at: dbourn@stanford.edu or (650) 725-8045.
