The Dos and Don’ts of Scanning Your Family’s Genealogy Documents

When it comes to scanning your family’s genealogy documents, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you preserve these important historical records:

Dos:

1. Use a high-quality scanner: Use a scanner with a high resolution to ensure that the documents are scanned with as much detail as possible.

2. Handle documents with care: Handle the documents carefully to avoid causing any damage. Use gloves if necessary to prevent oils from your fingers from staining the documents.

3. Organize the documents: Organize the documents by family or surname to make it easier to find information and to keep track of what you have already scanned.

4. Store the digital files securely: Store the digital files in a secure location, preferably with backup copies in case of loss or damage.

5. Share the documents with family: Share the scanned documents with family members who may be interested in learning more about their family history.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t use a scanner with a feeder for fragile documents: If the documents are fragile or delicate, do not use a scanner with a feeder as it may damage them. Use a flatbed scanner instead.

2. Don’t scan documents with staples or paperclips: Remove any staples or paperclips from the documents before scanning as they may damage the scanner or the documents themselves.

3. Don’t force the documents onto the scanner: Don’t force the documents onto the scanner, as this can cause damage. Instead, use a flat weight or a piece of glass to keep the document flat and steady.

4. Don’t scan in color if not necessary: Unless the document is in color or requires a high resolution, scanning in black and white or grayscale can save space and processing time.

5. Don’t forget to label each digital file: Label each digital file with a clear and descriptive name, including the date and name of the document if possible.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your family’s genealogy documents are preserved and accessible for future generations to learn from and appreciate.