Archives, Digitization & Metadata Workflows
Digitizing a collection is only half the job; making it searchable and well-described is the rest. This hub covers workflows from images to transcribed, organized records and where Leo fits in a wider digitization pipeline.
7 articles
Leo Team · September 17, 2026
What DPI to Scan Old Documents: Resolution, Bit Depth, and the Specs That Decide Whether the Text Can Be Read
Scan old documents at 300 dpi (400 for handwriting, 600 for tiny script) — plus the bit depth, colour and file settings that decide whether the text can be read.
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Leo Team · August 18, 2026
How to Clear a Digitization Backlog: Triage, Batching, and Where Crowdsourcing Runs Out
Clearing digitization backlogs by diagnosing which queue each series is stuck in, batching by hand and layout, setting fidelity by use, and placing machines and crowdsourcing only where each fits.
Leo Team · August 18, 2026
Digitization Staffing: Mapping the Roles, Functions, and FTE Estimates a Manuscript Project Actually Needs
Mapping digitization staffing for manuscript projects by enumerating required functions, assigning owners, and building FTE estimates from timed pilots on your own material rather than universal ratios.
Leo Team · August 18, 2026
How to Write a Finding Aid: From Survey and Arrangement to a Published, Searchable Guide
How to write a finding aid as a working sequence from survey and arrangement through description depth, fidelity to the records, and publication as a searchable guide.
Leo Team · July 16, 2026
Making Archives Searchable: A Planning Guide for Cultural Heritage Professionals
Planning archive searchability by distinguishing finding-aid metadata from full-text transcription, then mapping the digitization, OCR/HTR, indexing, and delivery pipeline needed for each.
Leo Team · July 16, 2026
Archival Metadata Standards for Transcribed Documents: A Layered Guide
Archival metadata standards for transcribed documents, explaining how descriptive, transcription-encoding, preservation, controlled-vocabulary, and discovery layers fit together without overloading any single schema.
Leo Team · July 15, 2026
Building an Archival Digitization Workflow: A Stage-by-Stage Guide
Archival digitization workflow from selection through access, showing how preparation, capture, QC, metadata, text recognition, preservation, and publishing standards constrain each other.
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