Digitization Requests
All image files created by the Digital Imaging Lab, which is part of the Digital Library at the University of Southern California, will be archived and repurposed as needs arise.
We strive to create files that adhere to best practices in the Cultural Heritage Imaging field, and we use the technical guidelines created by the Federal Agencies Digitization Guidelines Initiative (FADGI) as goal posts.
The Technical Guidelines for Digitizing Cultural Heritage Materials: Creation of Raster Image Files represents shared best practices followed by agencies participating in the Federal Agencies Digital Guidelines Initiative (FADGI) Still Image Working Group for digitization of cultural heritage materials. This group is involved in a cooperative effort to develop common digitization guidelines for still image materials (such as textual content, maps, and photographic prints and negatives) found in cultural heritage institutions. [Technical Guidelines for Digitizing Cultural Heritage Materials Creation of Raster Image Files, 2016]
While we strive to create the highest quality digital assets, we do minimal color correcting when post processing color transparencies. When we create an archival digital image, any distortions, discolorations or blemishes within the original item will appear in the digital file you receive.
Default file format specifications
All digital files will have the Adobe RGB (1998) color profile embedded.
Reflective photographs will be cropped just beyond the edge. Reflective materials will include a Golden Thread object-level target upon request.
Scanned Documents will be cropped to the edge. We do offer Optical Character Recognition [OCR] to be run on items that will be delivered as PDFs for a nominal fee.
Transparencies will be cropped beyond the edge of the exposure. Unperforated film and single exposures may include some or all edges of the substrate.
Bit Depth:
All image files are output to 16 bits per pixel (48 bit color). Grayscale or monochrome images will be output to 16 bits per pixel grayscale.
Resolutions
Photographic Transparencies:
• Up to 4"x5": 2000-4000ppi. 16 bit tiff AdobeRGB or Gray Gamma 2.2. Captured using medium format digital camera systems and dedicated film scanners.
• 4”x 5” up to 8”x10”: 800-1200ppi, 16 bit tiff, AdobeRGB or Gray Gamma 2.2. Captured using medium format digital camera systems and flatbed scanners.
• Anything over 8”x10” is considered oversized and may result in a composite image to achieve resolution.
Reflective Materials:
• Up to 11”x14”: 600 ppi, 16 bit tiff AdobeRGB or Gray Gamma 2.2. Captured using medium format digital camera systems.
• Larger than 11’ x 14” up to 20” x 24”: 400 ppi, 16 bit tiff, AdobeRGB or Gray Gamma 2.2. Captured using medium format digital camera systems and flatbed scanners.
• Anything over 20” x 24” is considered oversized and may result in a composite image to achieve resolution.
All digitized still assets will be output as 16-bit uncompressed TIFF files.
Pricing structure for digitization requests
We have two pricing options: one is for materials that will be digitized to support USC students and faculty/staff, and another for outside requests.
Payment will be processed through our Digital Library Store, which accepts all major credit cards. Files will be delivered through Aspera.
For more information on how to submit a digitization request as well as pricing, please go to https://libraries.usc.edu/locations/special-collections/reproduction-services
WE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE RUSH ORDERS
FADGI 2023
Non-digitization requests
Image Downloads and Licenses
A standard-resolution digital copy can be freely downloaded from the corresponding webpage. To download, follow these steps:
a. Click the 'Download' button located beneath the image.
b. A pop-up box will appear; select your desired size from the options provided.
• Once you have chosen the size, click the 'Download' button.
• When using the downloaded image, please credit it appropriately. You can find the necessary credit information in the image's metadata under the rights section.
If you would like to purchase a license, please follow these steps:
a. Click the "COPY ASSET LINK" button.
b. Copy the link that appears.
c. Locate the "REQUEST THIS ASSET" link (highlighted in blue) and click on it.
d. Fill out the form with your name, email, and paste the copied link into the Referring URL box.
• After submitting your request, you will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to obtain a reproduction license or permit for the image.
A commercial license is needed for use cases such as, but not limited to: television, movie, documentaries, published article or book, museum, mural, commercial interior design, etc.
A personal use license is needed for use cases such as, but not limited to: theses or dissertations, webpages, etc.
Gifts of photographs or materials to be added to our Digital Collections
Please contact our Department of Special Collections: specol@usc.edu