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Part 8 Photo Sales
A. Overview
The
Denver Public Library provides publication and display quality prints
of the images found on the web site. The Colorado Historical Society
also provides this service. This service is not new and not dependent
on the digital collection. The service has been provided for decades.
In the past, original artifacts were taken to traditional photographic
labs and copy negatives were made of popular items. The quality of
these reprints was often poor, the system required the transfer of fragile
originals, and the reproduction time was lengthy.
Since 1999, the Library has processed the majority of its photo orders
in-house. The digital files created through grant projects have been
used to generate prints. This allows us to reduce handling of original
items and to control the quality of the products sent out. For original
items that have not yet been digitized as a part of a grant project, lab
equipment is used to make a scan before printing.
Several institutions that have contacted us about our program have
asked about the revenue generating possibilities. The hope is that
in digitizing their material, they will be able to make large amounts
of money from selling copies. Our experience has been that it is difficult
to make a profit from making custom, on-demand prints. Additional printing
equipment must be purchased and maintained, clerical staff is required,
printing staff is required, and supplies must be purchased.
B. Equipment
The Photo Sales operation uses all the equipment that is used to capture
and store digital images. In addition, two printers have been added
to the lab to create prints from 5” x 7” up to 40” x 50”.
Fuji Pictrography 4000 high resolution printer: Able to print B&W
and color prints up to 12 x 18 inches on resin coated paper.
Epson 9500 high resolution inkjet printer: uses archival pigment based
inks.
Figure 23: A digital imaging technician
makes a print for a customer.
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