According to Voices for the library, over 500 UK public libraries out of the nation’s 4500 are currently facing the threat of closure. With library cut backs determined by a local authority and budgetary pressures, one way libraries can cut costs is by investing in book scanning. What does this mean for the libraries at risk?

Libraries can benefit from book scanning in many ways

Costs can be reduced by saving on the amounts of space needed. Converting many books into a digital format helps reduce the square footage taken up by physical items. This allows local authorities to save on the amount of money spent on running a property. These spaces can then be used for other purposes such as community functions.

Under the 1964 Public and Libraries and Museums Act, libraries have to offer a comprehensive and efficient library service for free. Converting books into a digital format and bringing local libraries into the future helps reduce costs and ensures that laws aren’t being broken.

Book scanning is the process of converting books into eBook format suitable for iBook, Kindle and eReaders. E-Books have seen a rise in popularity over the past decade with more and more books being made available in this format.

Some libraries have archives full of old books, manuscripts, journals, files and documents. Transforming these helps bring old items into the public eye, and gives life to old books that previously sat collecting dust. Old books also tend to be fragile. Digitising them ensures that they are not damaged by rough handling or sticky fingers.

The digitisation of books also helps ensure that libraries are not lost if a physical building succumbs to damage such as fire. With all files stored online and accessible on any device, library collections can officially stand the test of time with Pearl Scans bespoke book scanning service.

Bound and Unbound scanning methods are used with our book scanning services

We scan a wide range of books, transforming them into any required format. The book scanning service can be tailored to meet the needs of libraries of all sizes. Using two different methods, bound and unbound scanning using either a document feed scanner or upright scanner, no file is too big or small to be converted. Each scanning process carries its own benefits, which can help libraries and local authorities save substantial amounts of money.

If you can’t find the information you need, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free no obligation project quote. How do you think the book scanning process can benefit libraries and local authorities? Share your thoughts with us on social media!

Whether it's books, documents or microfilm, we offer professional scanning services in London that includes expert advice with a cost-effective solution for you.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing allows you to access any data and applications you like as long as you are connected to the Internet. The official definition from the National Institute of Standard and Technology defines cloud computing as “a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort, or service provider interaction.”

How Does This Link To Storage?

To put it simply, without cloud computing there would be no cloud storage. Cloud storage solutions are a branch of cloud computing developed exponentially over the last few years.

So What is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage is a way to save information to the Internet. Cloud computing services store this information in a secure online location. It offers a quicker, easier and safer backup system than traditional file storage methods. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can access your files and programmes from any computer or device, anywhere in the world.

Usually divided by the types of files it handles, cloud storage comes in a variety of types, with some systems only designed for a particular end; to support specific files such as videos, documents, emails and pictures. Most cloud systems however, will store nearly any type of digital file.

Cloud Storage Categories

Cloud storage systems are divided into two categories; small and large. Smaller systems deal with the needs of non-organizations – the average Internet user. Larger systems tend to work solely with businesses to store millions of files.

Smaller systems are housed in data centres, which can contain dozens of computers at once. Larger systems for corporate clients require a network of data centres, each housed in its own building the size of a warehouse.

Requirements

At least one data centre connected to the Internet is required for a cloud storage system to store files to the cloud. In order to access files sent you have to go through a dedicated web interface.

Halogen Cloud

Halogen Cloud is Pearl Scan Solution’s very own in-house designed cloud storage system.

Understanding that each client has individual needs, Halogen Cloud is a bespoke service complete with superior features such as company branding. Training can also be provided if required and for those not so IT minded, don’t worry, the service includes all administrative requirements such as system upgrades to keep you riding the cutting wave of cloud technology with ease.

What is your favourite cloud management system? Let us know on social media!

It seems that e-books have appeared almost from nowhere. This blog looks at little known and significant facts about e-books – the digital book revolution - that every avid reader should be aware of.

The first e-book was patented in 1949 by a Spanish teacher, Angela Ruiz who wanted to decrease the number of books her students had to carry to school. In recent years, e-books have boomed, especially with the introduction of products such as the Amazon Kindle which allows users to instantly download a book and begin reading in seconds. Find out some little known facts about the e-book revolution that you have probably never heard.

Environmentally friendly

E-books are good for the environment. One tree can normally produce 50 books. This would mean that e-book readers would only have to read 50 books to save a tree. Instead of buying 50 paperbacks or hardbacks and let them gather dust on your bookshelf, why not invest in a Kindle and stop trees from being used for paper?

Electronic publishing saves paper. For example, one weekly issue of the New York Times consumes 75,000 trees. One year’s worth of Sunday papers produced by the New York Times destroys and consumes more than 3,900,000 trees. It’s much more environmentally friendly to subscribe online.

Big Books Sell

According to PEW Research, 75% of people between 16-29 have read a printed book in the last year, with the younger generation preferring digital products – with the exception of e-books. Mark Coker, Founder of Smashwords found that e-books that have over 100,000 words sell significantly more than e- books that have under 50,000 words.

E-books Make More Money for Publishers

When it comes to profit margins, e-books generate a higher profit margin than hardback books. A hardback has a profit of 41% for publishers, making roughly $5.50 for each book sold. E-books can make publishers nearly $8 per sale, creating a 75% profit margin. That is an increase of 34%! Publishers can even make money from books released decades ago, by converting a new edition and launching it digitally.

Long Odds on Becoming a Bestseller

Only a tiny proportion of the market is making serious money from their efforts. Hugh Howey’s Author Earning report found that 100 authors made $100,000 or more from publishing e-books. With roughly 390,000 e-books being sold in the U.S. alone according to Bowker research, the chances of making $100,000 or more from an e-book are very slim.

Do you read E-books? What do you like about them? Share your thoughts with us on social media!