AIC's 44th Annual Meeting

The utilization of non-invasive imaging techniques to capture preservation and heritage content information from a range of analog materials is becoming a common tool used in the preservation of cultural heritage. Spectral imaging expands the information that can be found outside the visible region, and by generating data-cubes of registered images, allows a range of image processing to reveal hidden content information from historic materials. While this at is of significant interest for historic materials such as paper and parchment documents, it is increasingly important for more modern materials that are considered restricted in being machine-readable or machine dependent for viewing. For example, a range of illumination modes has been used to capture high quality images from photographic materials such as negatives without any traditional processing. Faded information on hygrothermograph and United States Geological Survey charts with historical environmental data and fugitive inks can also be captured, providing more information about degradation processes of specific materials within different environments. This emphasizes the need for capture of analog materials of various materials requiring different illumination and imaging parameters, including z-plane imaging. Often the range of materials are diverse but supporting documentation for scientific studies. Two and three-dimensional imaging (2D, 3D) provides additional advantages for the capture of information from modern media carriers that are considered machine-dependent, but are easily damaged by the stylus, needle or other play component. In collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory the Library has been integral to the development of the IRENE system “Image Reconstruct Erase Noise Etc.” a non-contact imaging system using a laser to image the surface of lateral grooves of audio disc carriers of sound recordings. Further 3D confocal imaging captures the vertical grooved information on materials such as fragile wax cylinders and field recordings, materials that would be potentially damaged if attempts were made to capture using traditional methods. The imaging system has been modified to capture information from other historic sounds recordings such as dictabelts. For both imaging systems, spectral and IRENE a focus on standardized processing to expand the information captured has been critical. For spectral imaging, a range of software packages have been assessed and standard processing techniques compared to assure high quality and accurate data is being captured from these imaging systems. The standardization of image processing and assurance of accuracy without creation of artifacts is paramount to the utilization of imaging technologies and digital derivatives for heritage science.