Many years ago I was in charge of cleaning and scanning a huge collection of aerial photography (see links to two articles below).  The main thing we were concerned about at that time was scanning resolution.  We decided on an expensive I2S overhead scanner because it was the only scanner that would scan at a true 600 ppi.  Despite the fact that we required and highlighted that fact in our call for proposals, several companies submitted bids.  When asked repeatedly, two of the companies grudgingly admitted that their scanners could not scan at a true 600 ppi, instead relying on computer software to convert the lower resolution scans into  600 ppi files.  University purchasing couldn't understand the importance of our need and opted for the least expensive product.  We cancelled the purchase order.  The Texas I2S vendor told us that we could join a consortium, purchase the scanner directly from I2S, and pay less because of the connection to the consortium.  The scanner ended up costing around $600,000 but the company provided excellent assistance setting everything up and solving some minor problems that were probably more to do with human error than equipment error.  The scanner was a workhorse and our Special Collections unit started sending us their delicate materials to scan.  All was going well until our library suffered a fire a couple of years ago.  The Digital Initiatives Unit I was a supervisor in ceased to exist and I was moved into the Interlibrary Loan Unit (where I still reside).  During restoration, the library re-organized and the Digital Initiatives Unit was axed and I believe the scanner was junked.  Our Special Collections Unit got a digital lab out of the restoration and I believe they have an I2S scanner but I have never been asked to help with their scanning nor work with them.  The air photos were sent off-site for cleaning and despite asking, no one seems to know (or is willing to inform me) the status of that scanning project.  I suspect it is dead, the photos will be put into some sort of metal cabinets/filing cabinets in the basement of the building.  Such a pity.

Linda Marston
Interlibrary Services
Hale Library
Kansas State University

https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/jul10/photos70210.html
https://issuu.com/archivalproducts/docs/apnewsvol15no2

From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Ross, Heather
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2022 12:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: ISO Flatbed scanner for aerial photos recommendation


This email originated from outside of K-State.

Hi,

We are in the position to purchase a flatbed scanner for scanning aerial photos (prints and film sheets.)  Image sizes can be as large as 11+ inches.

We are considering an Epson photo scanner 12000 XL.
https://epson.com/For-Work/Scanners/Photo-and-Graphics/Epson-Expression-12000XL-Photo-Scanner/p/12000XL-PH

Any recommendations or something to stay clear of?  It needs to be something we can purchase new.

Thanks in advance,

Heather Ross (she/her/hers)
Map Specialist
Donald W. Hamer Center for Maps and Geospatial Information
Penn State University Libraries
1 Pattee Library
University Park, PA  16802
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
814-863-1349
40.797601 -77.866382
https://w3w.co/giving.object.lines