Mark Hanmer from Digital Library Services aligns a book for scanning. The studio comes with other peripherals like a lightbox for the digitisation of small prints, and larger tables for the scanning of maps and images up to A2 size. This was demonstrated during post-processing by Mark Hanmer and Thomas Slingsby from Digital Library Services. At magnification, it reveals the intricacies of brushstrokes on a painting, something you can't see with the naked eye. With a 100-megapixel camera sensor, a precise image is captured like a 'snapshot in time' on a surface that remains the same, explained Zimmer. At the moment of exposure, the scanner provides illumination that is even and close to 98% sunlight, while blocking unnecessary light. Similarly to a photographic studio, the scanner is positioned in a space with low lighting.

Painting brushstrokes from an oil canvas painting digitised using the Zeutschel ScanStudio. UCT Libraries can now adhere to international imaging standards and bring about collaborative learning amongst peers and extend the freedom of information beyond UCT added Zimmer. The introduction of the Zeutschel ScanStudio aims to revolutionise the Libraries digital preservation efforts while making UCT Special Collections holdings accessible for academic research, Satgoor explained. The transition from conservation to preservation compounds the degrading of digitised materials. A much-awaited demonstration by Thomas Slingsby and Mark Hamner from DLS followed to a captivated audience. The DLS team opened the event with a welcome from DLS head Niklas Zimmer, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Libraries Executive Director, Ujala Satgoor.

The staff of the libraries gathered in Jagger Library to witness the launch of the Zeutschel ScanStudio, the first digitisation scanner of its kind in Africa. UCT Libraries ED, Ujala Satgoor cuts the ribbon at the launch of the Zeutschel ScanStudio in Jagger Library.ДЇriday the 13th is usually heralded as the start of something ominous, but for Digital Library Services (DLS) it was the start of a new digitisation adventure. Story Carmen Louw Photos Theresa Schoeman

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