The same questions about the light damage to rare and brittle materials were
asked of the microfilming process (which required a much more intense light).
Although it is true the scanning process exposes the original document to an
intense light, the time it is exposed is insignificant compared to the reduced
handling and future light exposure of the original once a surrogate is
created.  Our research has shown that high quality digital reproductions are
acceptable to most researchers, thus virtually eliminating the need to refer
to the original source.  Although I am unable to point you in the direction of
any specific technical literature (Cornell may have some technical papers on
this subject), general practise suggests that the greatest risks posed in the
scanning process come from the handling of the documents (particularly
bindings if they are not scanned in a "cradle").

Stephanie James
Early Canadiana Online
Preservation Services
Robarts Library, University of Toronto
130 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1A5
(416) 978-5915  -  Fax (416) 971-2819
http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/cihm/ecol/
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Tyne & Wear Archives wrote:

> Here's a question going out to anyone who may be able to help.
>
> We here at Tyne and Wear Archives have recently taken possesion of a
> MicrotekScanMaker636 package.  The scanner and all does all that we are
> asking of it, however, we in conservation have reservations regarding the
> scanning of original documents.
>
> Many requests are made for copies of documents, photographs etc, but to
> satisfy these with scanned images present problems.  does anyone out there
> know of any studies/technical data that gives information regarding light
> damage, artificial ageing etc?
>
> I would be very grateful for any further sources of information so that we
> may produce guidelines for the use of scanners etc.
>
> Many thanks
>
> Tristian Jones
> Conservator
> Conservation Dept
> Tyne and Wear Archives Service
> Blandford House
> Blandford Square
> Newcastle upon Tyne
> NE1 4JA
>
> Tel (0191) 232 6789 ext 444
> fax 0191 230 2614