Hardware in libraries: making informed choices

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the selection process for the new scanner and issues with its installation. Production scanning acts as a frame to explain why the new scanner is interesting and how it is being used.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs the descriptive case study method. The case is the selection of a planetary digital scanner for a unit within an academic Library in the USA.

Findings

The choice of a capture device is the most important decision a library or archive makes because it determines the maximum quality that can be achieved regardless of the other components of the system. Possessing expertise to parse technical details is a rarefied space.

Practical implications

This paper seeks to help inform the choices of those deciding to purchase new hardware.

Originality/value

This paper provides librarians with a basis on which to assess potential adoption decisions for a large‐format scanner and to learn from the experiences of others.

Citation

Nicholson, S.W., Peiffer, R. and Shaw, J.D. (2011), "Hardware in libraries: making informed choices", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 73-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378831111116912