The binding of the manuscript is often as important to the researcher as the content and therefore integrity of the item is of primary importance. The preservationist has final say in whether an item can be digitised or not. In some instances the binding structure may breakdown completely to a point where it is too dangerous to close the manuscript once opened. In these instances remedial work is carried out. The majority of the manuscripts are on parchment with a small number on paper.
Image capture is carried out using digital cameras.
Both come with their own software but in this case Photoshop is used to drive the cameras using a plug-in. This type of digital cameras use area arrays for scanning the image which lead to long exposure times. The design has evolved over the length of the project and has generated a large interest. The rig has been designed to hold manuscripts of varying sizes secure, minimise any vibration throughout the long exposure periods and allow easy adjustments. Page size is held constant by moving the camera and not by re-focusing.