The laboratory handles the digitization and metadata tagging of materials from various media and formats (printed materials, images, audio-video materials) with the capability to correct any defects in the materials using specific tools and software.
The activity of the digitization and metadata laboratory involves the acquisition of analog resources into digital formats in uncompressed and the most faithful reproduction of the original: from high-definition master copies—for conservation and printing—low-definition derivative files are created for network access. The machines automatically capture the technical metadata; the operator inputs descriptive, semantic, and relational metadata through the cataloging interface, implemented in accordance with the main international standards of library, archival, and museum cataloging.
The intranet network of the DigiLab digitization and metadata laboratory is built according to a star model: all client workstations are connected to the server, which has 24 terabytes of storage. The workstations are equipped for acquiring materials of various types: audio-video, texts, and images from different sources and media (VHS, audiocassettes, books, periodicals, photographs, slides, etc.). Acquisition is done without compression and with the most faithful reproduction of the original: from high-definition master copies (for conservation and printing), low-definition derivative files are created for network access.
The laboratory consists of a MAM-ONE platform with four workstations and a server for the management and distribution of multimedia content, connected via an intranet network.

TEXT PRODUCTION
The laboratory includes a Qidenus robotic scanner, which allows for scanning valuable works on a special lectern with a 90° opening, minimizing the deformation effect. The lighting is neon cold light, ensuring the preservation and integrity of the originals. The Qidenus scanner also offers a mode that involves the automatic turning of pages using a bionic finger.
A second scanner (Bookeye 3) allows for the processing of large volumes or special formats, such as A1 newspapers or the capture of folded plates that might be found inside small or medium-sized volumes. It is a digital color planetary scanner with overhead acquisition using a motorized tilting system, allowing the handling of books with an opening of less than 180° and, at the same time, a remarkable execution speed (seven seconds for a color scan at 600 dpi).

METADATA TAGGING
From the high-definition master copy, derivative files with lower resolution are created, depending on the intended use, along with the analytical description and metadata tagging according to international standards of library, archival, and museum cataloging.
The choice of controlled vocabularies and thesauri was also made in accordance with the standards in use and with the Sapienza Library System, using the tools deemed most consistent with the professional practices of different disciplinary domains and international best practices. DigiLab has also initiated contacts with other national institutions engaged in the mission of making cultural heritage accessible online (ICCU, ICAR, ICCD) to establish collaboration agreements to harmonize and integrate cataloging practices and the use of controlled vocabularies and thesauri.