Using scanners to advance e-science.

Abstract

Library users have become acclimated to immediate access to digital information and rapid delivery of interlibrary loans in electronic format. There are two main issues that limit e-access. One, a large quantity of scientific literature, including grey literature, only exists in print. The second involves the financial cost associated with subscription electronic products. To meet the current “need” for e-science the scanner is currently an important part of library services. This paper provides a review of five flatbed scanners chosen for document delivery, institutional repository digitization projects, and general patron use in a small research facility. Helpful scanning hints and technology review sources are included.