[Genealib] portable scanner or digital camera

[Shawna Woodard]

I am wondering what other libraries do in order to scan or photograph items from their collection that don't fit on a scanner or photocopier or are too brittle to copy.  We are considering getting a digital camera, but wonder if some kind of portable scanner wouldn't work better.  In particular we would like to be able to scan or photograph very large bound newspapers and tightly bound city directories.  The scan surface would only need to be something like three inches by three inches, but more than a single line of text.
For now, we are telling patrons that they must come in with their own cameras or if they live out of the area, they must hire a local researcher to photograph it for them.  We do have a setup with lights and a base that patrons can use with their own camera.
Are there any particular makes and models that people recommend or don't recommend?  I have heard that Kodak has some nice digital cameras.   
 
Shawna Woodard
Genealogy Librarian
Dayton Metro Library
315 E. Third St.
Dayton, OH  45402
937-496-8653
Donations of compiled family histories, Montgomery County yearbooks, or money to purchase genealogical materials gladly accepted.
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