Magnetic Anchors can be used to keep a book stationary in the cradle to increase digitization quality and efficiency.
Pages flush against the glass platens will remain essential for good quality shots, therefore (magnetic) anchors should not be used on thin pamphlets, books, artwork etc 6mm (1/4 in) thick (the height of the magnet) as they will prevent proper contact with the glass.
Two anchors are used in a pair. One sits on top of the cradle, lying on the foam sheet; the other sits directly under the cradle plate, using magnetic attraction to the top anchor to hold it in place.
The magnetic anchors can be installed at the front or back of the cradle. Front installation is better suited for items that do not require much adjustment during digitization (e.g. modern books, no tight binding etc.); with back of the cradle positioning better suited for items requiring regular adjustments during digitization. (e.g. tight binding/gutters, brittle pages etc.)
Scribe operators can reduce the amount of anchor re-positioning by digitizing items in batches of similarly sized items.
Install Magnetic Anchors
- Place the closed book onto the right cradle plate and create a new item with the Tabletop Scribe software.
- Depress the foot pedal to close the cradle, then take a test shot using the software's calibration screen.
- Check the test shot to see if the book is centered vertically with equal amounts of space visible above and below the book. Adjust and reshoot if necessary.
- Open the cradle, then place one of the magnetic anchors at the front or back edge of the book. The largest surface area should be in contact with the cradle plate, with the skinnier edge against the book.
- Hold the magnet in place, as it will not be stable until the second magnetic anchor is installed.
- Take the second anchor, reach underneath the cradle plate and place it directly below the top anchor's location. Manipulate the second/bottom anchor; when you feel a secure, magnetic pull between the anchors, let go of the bottom anchor.
- If you find it difficult to obtain a strong enough bond, you may be using too much backing foam. Testing suggests the magnetic force degrades at 17mm (2/3 in) thick.
- Once the magnetic anchors are securely in place, you are ready to commence digitization.
When removing or replacing a book in the cradle, take care not to move the anchor with it. Periodically check the position of the book and magnetic anchor. The book may travel away from the anchor over time; if so, nudge the book flush against the anchor.