Professional scanning is done with overhead "scanners" that are really digital cameras mounted on stands.  This is much, much better for the books than to turn them over and press them onto glass.

However, note that many archives will not allow patrons to use any sort of flash or other additional lighting with their cameras. Strong light is damaging to paper and ink (just one of the reasons why photocopy machines are a preservation problem).  The reason digital cameras have become practical for note taking is precisely because they can handle low light better than a traditional film camera could.  Check with the archive before trying to bring in a camera, and then either a tripod or a copy stand as well. In my experience, it is harder to get permission for a copy stand because it is a bigger piece of equipment. If you can use some sort of tripod to stabilize the camera, there will be no shaking during a long exposure, so lighting is not a real issue in terms of legibility. In any case, use a high resolution and get as close as possible, and you should be able to make a readable print of your photo.

For a print-quality reproduction you will want to use a copy stand with additional lighting if at all possible.  And right--that light is better if it comes in from the sides, and not directly overhead from the flash.  Sunlight works great!  You may want to use a piece of (well cleaned) clear glass to lay over the book page to flatten it. What all this means is that for print quality, if you can't control these conditions you may have to pay the repository to create an image for you.  

Susan

Susan Garfinkel
Library of Congress

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