Book Eye Scanner Instructional Video from DIU MOVING IMAGE on Vimeo.

Readers in the CRC are now able to capture high quality images from our collections using the new self-service Book Eye scanner. The machine is easy to use and well-suited for use with a wide range of materials including books, manuscripts, maps, poetry and newspapers. This service is completely free and all that is required of users is that they complete a form agreeing to the terms and conditions of use and watch a short demonstration from a member of staff the first time they use the scanner. The short video above outlines the key steps involved in the scanning process:

• Read and accept the terms and conditions
• Adjust cradle to suit item
• Place item on the cradle
• Push the scan button
• Insert USB
• Export scan to USB
• Remove USB

Unfortunately the scanner is not currently linked to a printer or wifi network, so anyone wishing to save their scans will have to use a USB stick (available to buy from the CRC reception).

The Book Eye is designed to be as intuitive as possible and features a touch panel on the front where the user can manage the scanning process. It has an adjustable cradle which can be used for scanning items of various shapes and sizes, up to a maximum of approximately A2. It can capture images up to 600 dpi, and these can be reviewed on the built-in 19 inch preview monitor above the book cradle and then exported as either JPEG or PDF files.

While the scanner is well suited to anyone who wishes to scan a few pages from a book or manuscript, we would be particularly interested to hear from anyone who would like to use it for a larger digitisation project.

Please contact is-crc@ed.ac.uk for more information.