Best Large Format Book Scanners for Libraries
Libraries are increasingly turning to technology to preserve and enhance the accessibility of their collections. Large format book scanners are pivotal in this effort, enabling libraries to digitize books and fragile documents effectively.
Whether it’s for archiving rare manuscripts or providing digital copies to students, the right scanner can make a significant difference.
In this article, Steven Enterprises printing experts will explain the basic information you need to know to understand the different types of book scanners on the market and which ones we recommend to city libraries and educational institutions.
Why Libraries Need Large Format Book Scanners
After helping many libraries find the best large format scanners for their operations, we’ve found there are 3 common applications:
- Digitization: The task of transforming physical books into digital formats for easy access on library websites, enhancing their member’s engagement and accessibility to renting books.
- Education Support: Typically school libraries also will need scanners to allow students to take digital snippets of texts, supporting their academic work without needing to check out entire volumes (which in turn would require more copies than needed).
- Preservation: More common in city libraries, the last application is to safely scan and archive fragile books and documents that are susceptible to damage. For example, old manuscripts written in pencil or city planning documents. By scanning these, libraries ensure the longevity and continued availability of these books for research and exploration.
Core Features of Bookeye Scanners by WideTEK
Steven Enterprises has partnered with WideTEK, since we believe they have the best scanners on the market today. We typically recommend that libraries invest in the Bookeye scanner series since it has the most robust features tailored for their use.
Here are some features libraries value most when using their bookeye scanners:
- Top-Mounted Camera: Unlike other scanners that have the documents roll through the machine, this camera ensures minimal contact with documents, preserving the integrity of fragile pages and avoiding rips and breakage to the actual books.
- Stand-alone software: The scanner has the software installed natively and operates with just a touchscreen monitor. No external computer is needed to manage it, but you can easily access it using the IP address, making it compatible with all types of computers (including MACs!)
- Versatile Scanning Options: The flexibility to scan directly to USB, email, or save to the scanner’s built-in Linux-based controller.
- Book Mode Scanning: You can choose between scanning pages together or individually, adapting to the specific needs of the material and reducing file sizes when needed.
Top Large Format Book Scanners for Libraries in 2025
In the Bookeye series, the versions of the scanner differ by the size of the book they can scan:
- Bookeye V3: This compact model handles standard book sizes up to 15×19 inches, perfect for school and university libraries.
- Bookeye Archive V2: Accommodates larger “grand format” books up to 18×24 inches, ideal for city libraries housing historical and larger volumes.
- Bookeye V1: The largest model available, suitable for very large and fragile books up to 24×36 inches. This series is more commonly bought by businesses with one-of-a-kind books, rather than a library. If you believe you might need this model, consulting with our printing experts is advised since there might be more specialized scanners like the MicroTEK series for you to consider.
Selecting the Right Bookeye Model for Your Library
Once you know which version is right for you, the next step for you to determine is which model you’re going to need. The difference here is going to the resolutions of the scan:
- Bookeye Kiosk: Offers 400 DPI scanning with a WiFi option, suitable for standard library needs.
- Bookeye Pro: Steps up to 600 DPI for higher quality scans and includes a batch scan wizard for more efficient processing.
Selecting the Right Scanning Mode
Finally, you’ll need to decide if you need to upgrade to a flat glass or if the standard V-shaped mode is fine for your scanning project:
- V-shaped Glass: Ideal for extremely delicate books, this scanner gently flattens pages without damaging the spine.
- Flat Glass Mode: Suitable for less fragile items, providing the option to compress pages for a clearer scan. An add-on feature for the Archive model also allows scanning of occasional photos, enhancing versatility.
Read more: 5 Common Mistakes Made When Buying a Book Scanner
Empower Your Library with the Right Scanning Technology
Choosing the right large format book scanner is more than just purchasing new equipment. It’s about investing in the preservation and accessibility of knowledge.
With the Bookeye scanners, libraries can safeguard their collections. Moreover, they can make them more accessible to the public and researchers worldwide.
Need expert advice on the best large format book scanner for your library?
Contact Steven Enterprises today at (800) 491-8785 for a personalized consultation or submit a contact form here. We’ll help you find the right scanner that can help your library effectively run your digitization and document preservation projects.