Appalachian College Association

-->Digitization

Digitization is the proces for rendering a computer file surrogate of an item to for use in a computer and on the internet.To have a usable file, which is consistent with other items in a repository, processes and procedures are developed.

Scanning the name given to the process to produce image file types, such as jpeg, tiff, pdf, that are among the most common file types. Often these files are the product of a scanner, although sometimes a camera is used.

Sound files require a significantly different process to generate usable sound files. The Digital Library of Appalachia has chosen to use mpeg files to speed access, that are developed from archival wav files.

File specifications are set forth in a clear and compact form for quick reference for those who already understand scanning and sound digitization.

Naming conventions are important so that information about a file can be imbedded in the file name to help file sorting, as needed.