NOTE: Some of these documents are quite large; check the file size before attempting to download.

• ApprovedManuscript Metadata 1.0.mdb
  A ZIp archive file containing our current field metadata recording form in Microsoft Access format. This is used by the technicians in the field to enter rudimentary metadata about the manuscripts photographed. Data from this form can be appended to HMML's master manuscript database.
• Excel-based cataloging tool.
  This is a more comprehensive cataloguing tool for researchers creating more detailed manuscript records. The system is based on a standard Excel worksheet template which is renamed for each manuscript catalogued (the system is based on one workbook per manuscript) This system allows for a multi-level metadata scheme. Consult with HMML on the use of this workbook.
• Cataloging workbook manual.pdf
  Description of the Excel-based system listed above, with instructions and data dictionary.

• Manuscript Photography Project Procedure.pdf
  A master procedure document for HMML's digital projects. Serves to link together other documents on this site. This is the starting point for those learning how to work with HMML's system.
• Rationale.pdf (2.6MB)
  Document outlining the reason for HMML's switch from microfilm to digital capture for manuscript preservation. Includes cost comparisons between film and digital.
• foliation&filenames3.pdf (850KB)
  Updated and expanded explanation of file naming, foliation, and work processes involved in photographing manuscripts and getting the data onto external hard drives for delivery to HMML.
• Book photography.pdf:
  This concise guide outlines our manuscript photography procedures, with information on setup, file-naming, and workflow. (23 megabytes)

• Best Practices Manual.pdf
  The first camera and studio setup manual I wrote, done in 2003 at HMML's pilot project in Balamand, Lebanon. Outlines the setup and use of a Hasselblad/Phase One digital camera system (15 megabytes).
• 350D manual.pdf:
  A concise user guide for the Canon 350D digital camera and software (This is model known as the Digital Rebel XT). Written to accompany a camera sent to Romania for a test project. (6.5 megabytes)
• Malta Project Nikon D2x manual
  Prepared for a project at the Notarial Archives of Malta (4.5MB)
• Canon IDs User Manual.pdf:
  The user guide for the Canon EOS 1Ds digital camera used in many of our overseas projects. Although it has specific operational information about the Canon 1Ds, it's useful reading for anyone working on HMML digitization projects. (1 megabyte)
• Nikon D2X User Notes:
  Supplement to the Nikon D2X manual with specific information for manuscript digitization. Prepared for an expedition to rural Ethiopia in 2006.  PDF format (8 megabytes).
• Nikon D2X Manual.pdf  
  Guide to using the Nikon D2x digital camera and capture software to produce photographs of manuscripts. Prepared for Romanian manuscript digitization project in 2007. (2.4 megabytes).
• Canon 5D manual.pdf.
  A user guide for the Canon EOS 5D digital SLR and its software. Covers setup and issues related to the use of the 5D for manuscript photography (2.5 megabytes).

Official Camera Instruction Manuals from Nikon and Canon for the Models Used by HMML (English versions)

Generally, each studio receives the original instruction manual for the camera, allowing users to familiarize themselves with all the camera's functions. If the printed manual is not available, these downloads

• EOS1DsIM-EN.pdf  (6.7MB)
  Official Canon user manual for the 1Ds (mark 1) digital camera.
• EOS5DIM-EN.pdf  (4.9MB)
  Official Canon user manual for the EOS 5D digital camera.
• EOSDRXT350DIM-EN.pdf  (4.3 MB)
  Official Canon user manual for the EOS 350D ("Rebel XT") digital camera
• D2X_en_print.pdf  (19MB)
  Official Nikon user manual for the D2X digital camera
• D200_en_noprint.pdf (25MB)
  Official Nikon user manual for the D200 digital camera.

• Solar-Powered Digitization Setup:
  Document outlining the setting up of solar-powered field digitization equipment. PDF format (40 megabytes).
• HMML Digitization Studio Setup.pdf (1.7MB)
  Supplementary document created in 2007. Explains the physical setup of manuscript photography system and how to wire all the components together.
• hardwiring.pdf  (1MB)
  Document from White Lightning (maker of the flash units used at many of HMML's projects) indicating the wiring diagram for "hard wiring" two or more flash units together. This is the method used to prevent one station's flash lights from setting off the other's. This information would apply to other makes of strobe lights.
• Fluorescent Lights.pdf (3.8MB)
  For certain projects, HMML is using special fluorescent lighting fixtures. This document outlines how to assemble, set up, and produce the color calibration needed for manuscript photography.
• Transformer use.pdf (278KB)
  Explains how to set up and use the step-down voltage transformer/stabilizer used in conjunction with fluorescent lights.

• Directory List Utility.xls
  Excel workbook that allows user to create spreadsheet cell information from the contents of computers file directories (folders). Very useful for creating lists of digital assets. Allows the user to essentially create a database of folder contents with a few Excel actions.
• rasterfile calculator.xls
  This Excel spreadsheet is my own creation, allowing the user to figure out the size of raster image files based on scanning specifications. Also has charts for the image size and aspect ratios of various camera and media systems. Ideal for doing “budgeting” to figure out how many megabytes or gigabytes a scanning project will create.
• FlashRen46.exe  Right-click and download this to your PC. Then, double-click on the file to run the Flash Renamer installer. Consult Wayne Torborg about getting the software registered.

• arrows.pdf (11KB)
  Printable array of “up” arrows to be used when photographing manuscripts
• metadata slate.pdf  (23KB)
  This printable PDF has two metadata forms per page (to conserve paper). The camera operator fills out the form and photographs it as one of the images created during manuscript digitization. This form should be used if metadata information is not being printed out from the Microsoft Access metadata collection tool.
• ruler and grayscale slates600ppi.pdf  (1.2MB)
  This PDF contains a number of centimeter scales and grayscale patches. IMPORTANT: when printing this document, take care to be sure that page scaling is set to “none” so that the centimeter scale isn't distorted by the printer.
• dsdata5.mdb and dsdbms6.mdb. These are the front-end and back-end of the OLIVER manuscript database system. emptied of records. Place the file "dsdata5" in a folder titled "ACCESS" and keep the other file outside of this folder. Then, the front-end will connect properly with the actual data file. Posted for use of Dr. Theresa Vann. NOTE: user must "right-click" on the link and choose to "save file as" to the computer.
• CD and DVD Recording.pdf
  This is a collection of some ideas on how to create CD and DVD disks that will work well on multiple computer platforms.