Digital Imaging provides a wide range of archival scanning services. Faculty are encouraged to submit proposals for projects representing collections of materials with a rationale for conversion of those materials to an archival digital format. Examples include, grant funded repository projects, research collection development projects, and academic course offerings that require archival quality preparation of digital files targeted for network access and permanent storage. In addition, services are also available for graduate research applications. Examples include 3D imagery for application testing, and test images used to create applications for visual learning investigations.

The following steps should serve to guide you through the process of developing your proposal:

STEP 01 -- Identifying your need.

Digital Imaging is equipped to scan a wide range of existing media formats, including:
 

• flat art (limits apply for length, width and material thickness )
• photography
• 35mm slides
• letter size documents
• 3D objects, and
• negative films, including microfiche and microfilm

The resulting files are made available in standard archival image formats such as TIFF, OBJ, or PDF/A. Files can be delivered either electronically or on DVDs. Please note that a charge for materials is necessary for delivery on DVD to cover costs.

With these services in mind, first consider whether or not you can identify a collection of images or research related documents that are used by your department for research purposes or class materials associated with a specific academic course. Publication needs for scanned images do not qualify for support. This includes images used in PowerPoint presentations.

STEP 02 -- Developing Your Project.

Suitable projects may develop as part of the grant proposal process. Faculty are encouraged to consider these services when preparing grant proposals at any level identified as part of a repository project. Please keep in mind though that you must receive acceptance from us for support prior to including our services as part of your grant proposal.

Projects may also originate though the Faculty Development Institute or the University Library's Image Database Project. Please contact the staff members in those areas to discuss any ideas you believe are suitable for development as image archival projects.

STEP 03 -- Submitting Your Proposal.

We provide a proposal form in PDF format accessible from this web page that you will use to present a brief description of your archival scanning project. This proposal form lists the following items or criteria as part of the information required in order to effectively evaluate your needs:

• Collection Name
• Sponsor
• Description of Images
• Scope of Project
• Time Line
• Image Count
• Schedule for Delivery

The proposal form can be opened and completed using Acrobat Reader, then printed and mailed to the following address:

Director, Digital Imaging
1220D Torgersen Hall
Virginia Tech
Campus Mail Code (0292)


STEP 04 -- Proposal Acceptance.

All proposals will be reviewed for appropriateness in terms of the support we provide and on the merits of the contribution to either course development or research activities at Virginia Tech.

Applicants of accepted proposals will be notified as quickly as possible. Complex proposals may also require a series of follow-up meetings to discuss specific requirements for the items included in the collection.

Copyright Clearance

Approved clearance for educational use of copyright materials is assumed by us prior to the start of all work requests. However, we do reserve the right to refuse any proposal request that appears to violate copyright laws until proof of copyright clearance is presented. All clearance for copyright materials is considered the responsibility of the customer.