Archive for the ‘Digitization Products’ Category
Determining the Best Method for Scanning Bound Materials
We’ve addressed the issue of book scanning methods in a previous blog, however the information bears repeating. Books are still one of the world’s most popular methods of information recording, but paper (or even in its earliest forms, papyrus or rice paper) is not the most resilient of materials. It is for this reason that digitization is essential to extending the lifespan of the precious words and images held within their covers. The options for scanning bound materials are numerous…
Seeing Clearly: Shelley Receives AIA Vision Certification
We recently received the good news that electronics engineer Xander Shelley, who helps to turn the nuts, bolts and cameras of Crowley scanners into high-quality imaging machines at our Basingstoke (UK) manufacturing facility, became a Basic Level Certified Vision Professional. He is one of 363 individuals in the world who hold this certification, which is only offered through AIA – the global association for vision information. It is good for three years and must be maintained through ongoing education. Xander…
Microfilm Theology
Every once in a while life hands you an easy button. In this case, the button is one of the easiest blogs I’ve ever had to write. Last week, Crowley’s West Coast hardware representative, Ed Berkowitz, shared an article written by Ernie Smith, editor of Tedium. Titled “The Strange History of Microfilm, Which Will Be With Us for Centuries,” the writing is entertaining, educational and brings home the message we oft repeat here: microfilm lasts. Preach, Brother Smith! From Dancer…
Clarity Matters: UScan+ HD, A High Res Look at Image Quality
As a culture, we value high definition (HD) image resolution. An anthropological study has yet to be done on the societal importance of advanced image quality (I think) but the fact remains that HD is now a common feature in several industries worldwide. Products ranging from televisions to sunglasses are equipped with high-resolution options. Consumers demand information immediately and in outstanding quality. Call it another brick in the wall of our societies’ obsession with perfection but the higher the resolution, the…
Expanding Our Vision: The Crowley MACHCAM 71MP Hits the Road
What am I doing at the AIA Vision Show in Boston in a booth without a scanner? Short answer: I’m helping to launch Crowley’s brand new imaging and machine vision camera, the MACHCAM 71MP. Longer answer? I’m learning. A lot. This is a vertical with which we’ve had much in common, but always from the client side. Today, we’re vendors of – from what I have seen – one of the most exciting new products on the floor (well, in…
Out of the Shop and Into The Office
It was 2014 when I first walked through The Crowley Company’s doors. I had a feeling then that this place would become an important one for me, but I couldn’t have predicted the impact it would have on my understanding of myself and the world. As I leave the Technical Service Department to join the marketing team I look back on my initiation into the world of preservation and my subsequent evolution. I began as an intern in the marketing…
Reference Archives Have a New Search-and-Scan Solution
Crowley’s MACH7380 reference archive scanner was officially released to market this past December and has already found applications worldwide, including facets of finance (banking/insurance) and government/transportation (ie: motor vehicle administrations). “Reference archive” refers to the concept that the images are considered to be legally-recognized duplicates of originals that may no longer exist. Reference archives also provide copies of records to validate transactions and meet regulatory requirements. These duplicates usually reside on 16mm blipped (or image-marked) microfilm. A reference archive scanner,…
An MLA Christmas
The Crowley Company got an early Christmas present last week when it was announced that four of our scanners were awarded honors in the Modern Library Awards program sponsored by Library Works, Inc. This is especially gratifying because the scanners are judged by the librarians, archivists and other library professionals that actually use the products in their facilities. Two of the scan systems are multi-year winners and two are new to the competition. Platinum Honorees Platinum awards, the program’s highest…
Meeting the Wicks and Wilson Family
In my ongoing journey to learn about Crowley’s different lines of business, I recently accompanied Chris (Crowley) on a visit to Crowley’s Wicks and Wilson (WWL) division in Basingstoke, England. As I was introduced to members of the team and asked them questions about their experiences as both WWL and Crowley employees, the two words I heard repeatedly were “home” and “family.” Nick Edwards, a 40-year employee (40, as in 4-0), welcomed us and gave me a tour which featured…
Crowley Imaging and Quantum Processing: The Hybrid Approach
If you have a collection of microfilm or microfiche which needs to be digitized, then you’re probably familiar with the standard options: purchase a scanner and perform the digitization in-house or outsource the project by sending the film or fiche to a conversion service bureau, like Crowley Imaging. What many don’t know is that there is a third option, available exclusively through The Crowley Company, which we call the hybrid approach. What is the Hybrid Approach? The hybrid approach consists of two…