Issues related to conservation
Conflicts between requirements of image quality and preservation concerns are inevitable and should be worked out in advance. Many special materials such as manuscripts are unique, often priceless, artefacts. Once digitized, however, a digital copy may help to ensure preservation of the original by serving as a surrogate. Digital files can also be used to create preservation microfilm of fragile originals.
Conservation issues to be considered for all projects—and especially in the case of out-sourced projects—include: