[Genealib] portable scanner or digital camera

[Chrys Jochem]

Shawna:
 
We are looking into (which is a nice way of saying, "I haven't yet gotten
around to......") purchasing a DocuPen to scan brittle pages/fragile books,
or to scan sections of oversized items that will not fit on our scanners or
photocopiers.  For those unfamiliar with this little item, it as a little
larger than a a standard pen or pencil, can (depending on which version you
purchase) scan in black& white or color, and, from several of our
researchers already using DocuPens, can scan about 25-30 pages before the
memory fills up. The DocuPen is then connected to a computer or printer and
the scanned pages or images are either printed or uploaded into a file.
 
The DocuPen doesn't solve the problem of copying oversized items but, so
far, it seems to be a portable, safe, and affordable (about $100) scanner
for items we would rather researchers did not attempt to photocopy.
 
Christine Jochem
Department Head
North Jersey History Center
The Morristown & Morris Township Library
One Miller Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-538-3473

  _____  

From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of Shawna Woodard
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 8:11 PM
To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
Subject: [Genealib] portable scanner or digital camera


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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