Digitising the Sudan Collection
Digitisation of the Durham University Library Designated Sudan Collection
Durham University Library in August 2006 consulted the DiSCS service to locate an appropriately skilled supplier to digitise awkward format items within their Sudan collection which previous digitisation projects had not covered. The Sudan collection is a pre-eminent collection with international designation status consisting of approximately 55,000 photographic images, of which 32,600 are available via a database.
Finding a supplier
Durham University Library needed a supplier who could digitise approximately 1,618 items consisting of glass plate negatives, film negatives, contact prints, slides postcards and photos in albums. The supplier needed to be able to:
- work within the library where the collection is kept
- supply their own equipment
- be able to work with existing equipment in the Library
- work confidently and correctly with delicate objects
Ben Smith from MGH Consultants was appointed. MGH Consultants had received training prior to the appointment in Care & Handling and Digitisation through the Supplier Training Scheme (STS) as well as specific training on handling and digitisation of glass plate negatives. Ben supplied digitisation equipment as well as using equipment available within Durham University Library and fitted in around Durham University Library staff and equipment availability. Durham University Library senior conservator additionally provided care and handling guidance and supervision on each type of item prior to passing the items over to be digitised.
Outputs and outcomes
The digital images created are to appear on the Sudan database which is accessible through Durham University Library. The number of images digitised per day varied between 22 and 163. Outputs included:
- 1,618 images digitised in 20 days, at 600dpi or 1200dpi depending upon the size of the original.
- Three days were taken up in training, review meetings and administration.
- MGH consultants were flexible in their approach working 2-3 days a week for approximately 7 weeks.
The experience
The project was delivered on schedule, to budget with Durham University Library extremely pleased with the result.
"MGH Consultants provided a prompt and efficient service on material in the Sudan Archive at Durham University Library, producing high resolution digital copies of archival images held in a variety of formats. We would have no hesitation in using their services again and would recommend them to anyone working in the Heritage sector."
Sheila Hingley, Head of Heritage Collections, Durham University Library, Palace Green
