Minolta scanner

The Department of Special Collections, Syracuse University Library,
had been using a Xerox "BookMark 35" which unfortunately died. We
are currently considering to replace it with a similar model, or a
more conventional (and more sophisticated in terms of
settings--contrast, photo/grayscale...) flat-bed model AND a face-up
model such as the Minolta PS3000, PS7000 (oversized), or BookScribe
2000 (low-cost, lower resolution). A search of the CoOL, Exlibris,
and Sharp archives pulled up numerous queries, and some responses.

Due to our collection strengths, the vast bulk of our copying is of
flat manuscript materials (correspondence, clippings, type-scripts,
...). For these, a flat-bed copier is clearly the best. However,
these are not very well suited for use with books, especially more
fragile special collections materials. Unfortunately, Xerox is no
longer manufacturing the BookMark series of copier.

We would be interested in hearing from those who are actually using
the Minolta product (or an equivalent--which?) and a regular
flat-bed copier.

Questions to consider are:

    What types of materials are you using which copier for?

    Do you find that you are still using the flat-bed copier for
    bound materials? Why?

    What, if any kinds, of problems have you encountered with the
    Minolta?

    How would you rate the Minolta in terms of its ease-of-use,
    functionality, and cost-effectiveness?

    How does the Minolta function in a production environment?

    How would you split (in percent) output between direct to paper
    and saving to file?

    When saving to file, do you find the output useful for OCR?

    Where is the Minolta located in special collections,
    preservation, inter-library loan, reserves, copy center, other?

    Which staff uses the Minolta? Does this include work-study
    students?

    Any additional comments you might have.

Peter D. Verheyen
Special Collections Preservation and Access Librarian / Conservator
Syracuse University Library
Syracuse, NY 13244
315-443-9937


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:53
                 Distributed: Friday, January 25, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-53-008
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