-------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Large format scanners Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:20:48 -0400 From: Grabach, Kenneth A. Mr. <[log in to unmask]> To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship <[log in to unmask]> I don't know what "reasonable cost" means to someone without resources of an institution. In addition to sizes of scanners there are different formats of the scanning process. What you describe is probably a flatbed scanner, capable of handling single sheets. The beds of these scanners are in various sizes. The type of scanner described yesterday was recommended because it can handle materials in bindings, as a normal book or bound atlas. These work with the item to be scanned, either bound or flat sheets, with the surface to be scanned facing upward. No glass surface needs to be cleaned other than normal cleaning of the lens. Large-format scanners that are capable of handling various sizes of large sheets such as wall maps work as a 'continuous feed', with a set of rollers moving the original facing down across the scanning surface. These have finite width, but allow infinite length for the originals to be scanned. This type is not able to handle bound materials. They will handle any type of loose sheet. The first, flatbed scanners, vary in price depending on size and scanner quality. The others, designed for institutional work, are of various prices but are much more expensive than the others. They are usually priced in the thousands of dollars. Depending on amount of scanning, and resources available to purchase one, reasonable can be a term of varying definition. For this type and the bound book scanners (they would also handle newspapers and broadsides) quotes are offered, rather than direct pricing given at the vendor sites. Use of these would also require purchase of specialized software. For these, rental may be an option. The Atiz (book scanner) web site provides some contact information about such options. Ken Grabach <[log in to unmask]> Maps Librarian Phone: 513-529-1726 Miami University Libraries Oxford, Ohio 45056 USA -----Original Message----- From: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Angie Cope, American Geographical Society Library, UW Milwaukee Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 3:01 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Large format scanners -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: Large format scanners Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:03:16 -0400 From: Joshua Davidowitz <[log in to unmask]> To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship <[log in to unmask]> I'm glad that this topic got brought up, although I was interested finding the services of a large format scanner for my own private use. I've obtained a number of maps of the 1940s-70s vintage and although I'd like to keep them, I don't have room for them at home. I only have a personal letter/A4 size scanner at home and was hoping to find a large format scanner to scan these maps in the New York City area (with reasonable costs) before trying to find somewhere to donate them. The two largest sizes I have roughly measure 22" x 30" and 25" x 38" Any suggestions on where to go? Thanks in advance, Joshua -- Joshua Davidowitz [log in to unmask] "My cello has been transported on mules, camels, trucks, rowboats, droshkie, bicycles, gondolas, jeeps, a submarine off Italy, subways, trams, sleds, junks, and on a stretcher in Amalfi. But by far the most racking experience of all is when, in full dress, I must transport the cello in my own hands across the stage each time I have to play." -Gregor ("Grisha") Piatigorsky