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Email Your Scans

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Want to scan something but forgot your USB (or don’t have one)? Relax! The book scanner being tested in the Killam Learning Commons now has an email function. To use it simply hit the “Parameters” button before you start, choose “Email”, and enter your email address. Then go back to the scanning window and fill your boots.

Please remember that the webmail attachment limit is 20 MBs–and of course keep in mind that there are strict rules regarding copying of academic materials which must be respected when using the scanner as well as our photocopiers!

Book Scanner Trial Take 3

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We’re testing a third and final book scanner in the Killam Learning Commons. So far the feedback we’ve gotten suggests it’s more user-friendly than the previous models, but please try it out for yourself and let us know!

It has an email function which has not yet been activated but we’re working on it and will keep you posted.

Book2Net Scanner In The South Commons

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The Book2Net scanner has been moved next to the Technical Assistance desk in the South Commons for the remainder of its trial.  If you haven’t tried it yet, you really should!  It’s an easy to use machine that allows you to scan images or text and save them as a jpeg on your USB.

If you need assistance ask the Navigator.  Don’t forget to leave some feedback, either right here or by filling in a comment card available at the desk.  We are very interested in hearing your thoughts and suggestions.

Try New Book2Net Scanner. Free!

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We think you’ll love this…We’re trying out a revolutionary new public access scanner in the Killam lobby. It’s an intuitive, touchscreen, dropdead easy to use machine that allows you to scan any images or text you need and download them directly to USB.

Please give it a try (it’s FREE while on a trial basis!) and let us know what you think–give us your feedback right here, or drop a comment card in the envelope on the Library Administration door.

Did we mention we think you’ll love this?

How to Scan Using OCR

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Optical character recognition, usually abbreviated to OCR, is the mechanical or electronic translation of images of text (usually captured by a scanner) into editable text. The process is not 100% accurate and review and editing of the document will be necessary.

The scanners in the Learning Commons are able to perform OCR and work best with clearly printed text eg a letter. The sharper the scanned image the better the OCR results will be.

The first step is to open the HP scanning software.  When scanning many people scan the item as an image, irregardless of whether it’s a picture or a letter.  In order to perform OCR you must scan as a document.

After choosing to scan as a document the file type to save to is also important.  If you choose to scan a document as a bitmap image for example the software will not be able to perform OCR.

I normally use the rtf file format. Note that OCR will be performed.

After saving the document open it in Microsoft Word and save it in the .docx format.  Remember the OCR process is not perfect and the document will probably require some editing.

Five More Scanners Available For Use

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As scanners are always in high demand in the Learning Commons we have purchased 5 new HP G4050 photo scanners to bring our total number up to 13.  All the scanners are located at the rear left side of the South Commons, look for the 3 yellow tables.

As well as being able to scan photos and documents, our scanners are also able to perform OCR which is a useful feature not many people are aware of.  Take a look at this guide, or ask the Navigators for assistance.

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