Overview
3D scanning was something unheard of just a few years back in libraries, but now it's swiftly becoming an integral part of digital humanities. Not just a novelty, 3D scanning and printing is becoming a useful tool for archivists across fields to provide innovative methods of both preservation and play to their patrons. Libraries, museums, and schools are finding ways to integrate 3D into their preservation efforts in fascinating ways. One museum professional named Megan Hancock said that "through the use of these technologies, we can also provide kinetic, sensory and object-based learning through touch: we can feel and look at objects previously only viewed under glass." (Hancock, 2015) With 3D history is no longer out of our reach, it's in our hands. We can be a part of it rather than simply reading about it in textbooks.
Before we play with history though we need to preserve it because even more important than experiencing it firsthand is experiencing it at all. The digital components of these institutions are implementing 3D in order to make their collections branch out into the future of preservation and to ensure these items stay preserved as they are forever. "These reproduced objects allow the original object to be preserved and safe from close contact." (Hancock, 2015) They can also ensure that a piece that is in the midst of possibly being destroyed can be preserved. Most importantly they can bring the museum to someone's house allowing people globally to experience collections of objects.
Before we play with history though we need to preserve it because even more important than experiencing it firsthand is experiencing it at all. The digital components of these institutions are implementing 3D in order to make their collections branch out into the future of preservation and to ensure these items stay preserved as they are forever. "These reproduced objects allow the original object to be preserved and safe from close contact." (Hancock, 2015) They can also ensure that a piece that is in the midst of possibly being destroyed can be preserved. Most importantly they can bring the museum to someone's house allowing people globally to experience collections of objects.
The expenses and the effort are worth it though. As we can see above institutions like the University College London are getting involved with 3D collections and the Smithsonian recently completed a large 3D project. With the addition of VR and AR elements being implemented as well who knows where the future of this technology may truly go though we have some ideas. "3D scanning holds great potential for cultural heritage institutions, many of which are exploring its use for digital preservation and more robust online access to artifact collections" (Rogers, 2016)
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While scanning in 3D appears to be the next step towards the future of digital libraries, it is not without issues. The main issues facing institutions when it comes to 3D are space, finances, and technology. scanners have to be acquired by an institution and these are quite costly. "The 3-D printer, a 3-D scanner and filament cost about $4,500" (Leahy, 2015) You have to have the space for the 3D printer if you are going to be making any prints and these can be the size of microwaves or larger. Finally the technology is advanced to just even digitize the objects. You'll need both people with 3D expertise and the correct tools. As you'll see in the later tutorial you need programs like Zbrush to clean 3D scans and Zbrush costs around $800. These can all add up to be too much for a library.
Photo courtesy of Carnegie Studio
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