Preparing Collections Materials for Digitization

Digitization is an important step in improving access to your collection, while simultaneously minimizing the frequency of handling that can potentially cause damage to collection items. But when is it safe to prepare fragile documents on your own, and when is it time to call an expert? This session is a hands-on workshop session to provide practical tips on safeguarding your collection before, during, and after the digitization process. 
 
The interactive workshop will introduce concepts of practical, hands-on preparation of physical materials to ensure safe handling and high-quality capture. Topics include: 

• Handling principles for fragile or oversized items 
• Using supports, weights, wedges, and cradles during digitization 
• Identifying and safely removing fasteners 
• Gentle flattening approaches 
• Light surface cleaning 
• Recognizing basic condition issues and when to stop. 

You will have the opportunity to practice handling techniques with a study collection of various material types. You are highly encouraged to bring questions about preservation-related digitization challenges from your own collections.  

Preparing Collections Materials for Digitization addresses Focus Area #3: “expanding collections-based knowledge creation” of the FAIC’s Held In Trust Report on digital technology: research and practice.

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About our facilitator:

As the Digital Archives Specialist, Kaitlyn Pettengill conducts digital preservation assessments and assists with digitization planning for collecting organizations. She advises organizations in the ongoing development, implementation, and operation of their digital preservation programs as well as on recommendations for the development and implementation of digital preservation strategies, technologies, and procedures. Prior to joining the CCAHA staff in 2024, Kaitlyn worked as the Digital Projects Coordinator for the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University and as the Digital Services Archivist at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Kaitlyn earned an MLIS from San José State University, where she specialized in Digital Collections and Digital Asset Management. She also holds an MA degree in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London and a BA in Art History and English Literature from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA.