A sensible way is to split the work into two phases. First, do a quick low‑resolution pass just to get the layout and any damage marked up; this lets you build your catalog and decide what needs deeper work. Then, for the critical sections, use a higher‑resolution scan, making sure the lighting and contrast are set so the text stays legible. Keep a separate backup of the original images and annotate the digital files with the same metadata you used on the physical copy. That way you get the speed of the first pass and the fidelity of a detailed second pass, all while keeping the workflow manageable.

Use a flatbed or document scanner with at least 600 dpi for the high‑resolution pass. Make sure the sensor is clean, the light is even—no hot spots. If you’re digitizing fragile vellum, set a lower ISO or use a dedicated light source to avoid glare. Keep the firmware up to date, and calibrate the color profile once a month. That’s about it.

That’s the rhythm—quick sanity check, then the deep dive. Keep the logs tight and you’ll have a clean audit trail. Good luck.