Heritage Digitisation

Heritage digitisation projects can often be complex and demanding on budgets and time. Outsourcing digitisation can seem quite daunting as there are very few specialist companies which have the understanding, training, and equipment to handle heritage materials correctly. Genus offers such a service using experience gained from working with independent consultants and Conservation Officers within major archives and institutions. We have developed a robust methodology which focuses on the conservation of material through to the final digital output. Our methods of capture have been approved by our clients, who include The Wellcome Trust, Getty Images and The British Museum.

Such projects can be built from the ground-up, offering a truly bespoke service, best suited to your individual requirements. We understand that approaching digitisation of any material can be quite a daunting task, however we can help you with advice and consultancy for your specific requirements. No two digitisation projects are the same, the approach and methodology are important to ensure the best results for the requirements of your organisation.

Our staff are fully trained in the handling of delicate and valuable items. A ‘white glove’ approach and the use of specialist lighting, cradles and supports, limits the risk of any damage to the original items. We employ a wide range of capture devices ensuring we have the flexibility to select the very best methodology that is appropriate depending upon the original items.

With air-ride vans, temperature-controlled storage and studios, and rigorous workflow controls all supported by our ISO 9001 & 27001 certifications, Genus is perfectly positioned to assist with digitising your content. Each project is assigned a Project Manager who will be your main point of contact during the work. Supported by our experienced staff, they will be available to assist through every step in the process.

Colour management is a priority when considering heritage material. This is why we have stringent controls in place at every step of the capture, post-processing and output processes. All devices are colour profiled and calibrated and we ensure the very best results by carefully managing our workflows. We regularly include colour and greyscale charts within our master image sets then also deliver a cropped derivative set, often comprising different file formats for different purposes.

Our free of charge consultancy offers you the opportunity to be visited by a digitisation specialist who can discuss your aims and objectives for the future. They will review your current collections and help you set out a plan to turn your originals into a digital archive, using the most suitable digital capture techniques and the ideal delivery platform, with no commitment to use our services or purchase equipment.