Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How does PPS scan images?

    It depends on the type of object: for most prints, we use a commercial quality flatbed scanner; slides and negatives are usually digitized with dedicated film scanners; and for oversized images, a scanningback camera is employed. All scans are archival quality, adhering to the National Archives and Records Administration Standards (NARA). For more information, see our Technical Standards page.


  2. How does PPS handle metadata?

    Our desire is to record as much information as possible about the collection and each of its images in order to maintain its historical and educational value. We like to say, "The more metadata, the better the preservation." Suppose we have a print of a house with a tree in the yard and the sky in the background. We can record its physical description, a few keywords, e.g.; house, tree, sky, and the fact that the original is a print. But, if the collection owner knows that it is a pannotype made in 1896 by photographer Justin X. Ample who later invented the widget, and that this was the childhood home of..., then a record of that information gives the image more "life" and possible use for generations to come. (PPS Metadata Policies)


  3. What if I don't have any metadata?

    See above. The most important thing is to save the photographs.


  4. What is your lab like?

    We're very proud of our facilities. The vault is where images are kept when not in the digitization process. It is climate controlled with temperature and humidity settings at or near 68°/50%, and houses the PPS server and a fireproof media safe to store the digitized collections. The lab is on the same climate controlled system and contains several workstations and our state of the art digitization equipment.


  5. How qualified is your staff to handle a collection?

    Our Digital Projects Manager holds a Master of Information Science degree in Digital Imaging and is currently working to obtain a Ph.D. in the field. Our Digital Specialist has a similar degree, Master of Library Science in Digital Imaging. PPS employs college students and graduates as Digital Techicians with backgrounds in photography, history, library and computer sciences.


  6. Tell me about the overall process of digitizing a collection.

    Once we have assessed and approved a collection for digitization (see the Collection Submission page), we scan/record the images to the highest archival standards. Next, we document/record the metadata and link it to the corresponding image. If the original objects arrive in improper or non-archival housing, PPS will house them correctly and return them to the institution, along with the newly digitized collection.


  7. What about copyright issues?

    Copyright laws can be confusing. PPS advises you to consult with qualified legal experts in order to make proper determinations regarding your collection.


  8. Does PPS fix or correct images?

    No, we digitize objects "as is." To remove imperfections, color correct, or make any other changes to the originals falls under the category of "restoration," and would mean that we apply our own interpretation to a photographer's original work.


  9. What if I want my collection digitized, but don't want it displayed on your Virtual Museum?

    The PPS Virtual Museum is an option, not a requirement. We do encourage all institutions to display their images in some way for the public to view and appreciate. Afterall, why hide a work which can offer cultural, historic, and/or aesthetic value to others?


  10. What advantages are there to displaying my collection on your Virtual Museum?

    Because your institution is given full credit on our site, along with information about you and links to your own website, the awareness of and exposure for your institution is likely to increase significantly. Also, we can help you create a revenue stream through the sale of reproductions through our Virtual Museum.


  11. Do I forfeit any rights or lose any ownership of my images to PPS when you preserve my collection?

    Absolutely not. Our contract with you explicitly states that we "neither claim nor acquire any ownership rights or interest in ..." your images. The mission of PPS is not to collect, but to preserve photographs.


  12. How much do your services cost?

    First, an assessment of your collection is needed to help determine the extent of the project (Collection Submission) We do ask that the beneficiary institution work with us in securing funding for the project.