Libraries, Museums, Historical Societies
Helping libraries, museums, and historical societies meet their record management needs for over 25 years.
IDI continues to deliver high quality digitizations of rare & fragile documents, books, microfilm, and bound materials for Libraries, Museums, and Historical Societies across the country. We understand the importance of handling one-of-kind publications. Institutions have entrusted us with their collections for digitization because we treat rare and fragile material with upmost care. Quality digitization is critical to these documents. We pay particular attention to the handling of these materials, ensuring as much as possible that they are returned in the same condition in which they arrived. Our qualified and background checked personnel will travel to scan on-site when required.
Documents
IDI can work from materials of any size, produce digital images in a wide range of resolutions and bit depths, output files in different formats, supply text and metadata files at varying accuracy rates. We are FADGI compliant.
Books and Bound Materials
We operate more than 70 book scanners, including seven Kirtas robotic book scanners and four Book2 Net Ultra units. We offer all the available output formats.
Photos, Slides, Negatives
IDI has developed industry leading proprietary digitization machines to capture up to 4,000+ dpi from photos, slides, and negatives. Our speed and quality is unmatched in the industry.
Audio and Video
IDI utilizes the latest technologies to digitally convert historic content that exists on VHS, Hi8, Mini DVs, Beta Max, 8mm and 16mm film and tag the content. The tagging process allows an organization to quickly access desired content across many files or specific content in a video.
Microfilm/Microfiche
IDI creates 16mm grayscale or bi-tonal microfilm for permanent backup of lab notebooks or scanned documents. IDI utilizes state of the art e-beam recorder technology to create the best quality microfilm frames possible. IDI utilizes nextScan ribbon technology to convert quickly and accurately microfilm or microfiche images back to PDF images.
Cloud Services: DigiFind-It and DigiStore
DigiFind-It is a web-based cloud interface that allows users to search across volumes of PDF text searchable digital files in seconds. DigiStore is a robust cloud interface for high volume collections that allows users to harness the power of AI: perform text searches, report building, file monitoring, and more!
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American Antiquarian Society
National Geographic Society
New England Genealogical Society
New York Historical Society
New York Public Library
Maplewood Public Library
Smithsonian Institute, History of Air and Space
The Huntington Museum & Library
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FAQs
Yes. We use specialized large-format overhead scanners for items like architectural blueprints, maps, and fragile historical newspapers. This non-destructive scanning method captures high-detail images without putting stress on the original material.
These items require specialized equipment. For rare or tightly bound books that cannot be opened 180 degrees, we use V-cradle scanners that capture high-resolution images while the book is only partially open.
For oversized items like blueprints or broadsheet journals found inside books, we use large-format overhead cameras to ensure every detail is captured without stress to the paper.
Yes. Modern cloud systems are built with “API-first” mentalities. Whether you use Salesforce, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, or industry-specific tools like EHRs for healthcare, our systems are designed to sync seamlessly. This allows your team to view scanned images directly inside the applications they already use every day, eliminating the need to toggle between different programs.
For standard reading, we typically scan at 300 DPI. For archival preservation or rare manuscripts, we can go up to 600 DPI or higher. You will receive your files in your choice of format, most commonly:
- PDF: The industry standard for long-term digital preservation.
- TIFF: High-resolution, uncompressed images for archival masters.
- JPEG: Optimized for quick viewing and web sharing.
The “Gutter” Problem
One thing many people don’t realize is the “gutter shadow”—that dark blur in the middle of the pages. IDI uses Software Correction, to digitally flatten the page curve and removes shadows to make the digital page look as flat as a sheet of paper.
We offer three options: we can securely return your documents in their original order, provide long-term archival storage, or perform certified shredding with a Certificate of Destruction once you have verified your digital files.
Yes. We offer “Scan-on-Demand” services. If you urgently need a file that is currently in our queue, our team will locate it, scan it immediately, and securely email or upload it to you within hours.
It depends on the method you choose. We offer two primary types of book scanning:
- Non-Destructive Scanning: We use specialized overhead “planetary” scanners and V-shaped cradles that hold the book at a gentle angle. This is “white-glove” treatment—the spine is never pressed flat, and no pages are removed.
- Destructive Scanning: If preservation isn’t a priority, we can cut the spine (disbinding) and use high-speed sheet-fed scanners. This is faster and more cost-effective but permanently alters the book.
