{Posted on behalf of Ian Christie-Miller by Tony Campbell - all responses to
the author please. It would be helpful if this was forwarded to other
relevant lists. Thank you}
PaperPrint Update 25 July 2002
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Three months ago at the National Library of Wales there was a seminar
'Responding to Theft'. One of the presentations concerned the PaperPrint
method which is an effective, but totally covert, means for archiving the
digital 'fingerprint' of handmade paper whether bound or loose. The first
institution to adopt the PaperPrint security system was the Royal
Horticultural Society in 2001.
Fuller details of the portable version of the system are at:-
http://www.earlypaper.com
Developments
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An automated (studio) version of the equipment will be refined and marketed
by Solar Imaging of Rochester, Kent.
The Art Loss Register of London, New York and Cologne is currently working
towards incorporating a PaperPrint database into their Collection Management
System to enable them to hold pre-loss details of important manuscripts,
high value books etc. and to provide a more complete service to their
clients.
The next issue of Trace magazine will have an interview of Ian
Christie-Miller concerning the development and potential of PaperPrint.
Requests
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In order to provide the optimum performance from the studio version of the
imaging system Solar Imaging would value the views of potential users. The
aim is to satisfy the widest range of needs as economically as possible. It
is realised that some needs cannot be economically satisfied such as the
case of a folio volume which can only be opened 30 degrees.
In particular:-
1. The system could image books only open 30 degrees (some angular
distortion), 45 degrees (no distortion) or wider. Larger volumes such
atlases can generally be opened at least 90 degrees. How desirable is it
that octavo and smaller volumes be imaged at 45 degrees opening?
2. It is proposed that in the first place the images be captured to a silver
based high quality recording system. Images would then be scanned and
archived digitally.This is for legal reasons. It is considered that in a
court of law silver based records are more secure evidence. A digital
capture version of the system could be provided. Please comment.
3. For a PaperPrint archive each volume should have, at a minimum, the title
page plus one other page imaged. How often would there be a need to image
more than this minimum?
4. The automated studio version is designed for the safe handling of books
and for the creation of large numbers of PaperPrint records. Not only are
the images an enhancement of security but are also a valuable research
resource in the field of paper analysis. Would you foresee any conflict
between these two domains? For instance would duly accredited researchers be
given free access to all PaperPrint records?
Ian Christie-Miller
[log in to unmask]
Ian Christie-Miller PhD
The Dairy
Coldharbour Farm
Hundred Acre Lane
Wivelsfield Green
Sussex
RH17 7RS
Tel +44 (0) 1444 471810
http://www.earlypaper.com
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