With such a wealth of options, your only problem may be deciding which scanner to choose. Today’s book scanners are fast (many can scan a page in under two seconds) and provide optical resolution of up to 800 dots per inch (dpi) on sheets reaching a massive 35' x 25' in size. They consume more space than other scanners, and they can also be expensive.Whether you need a flatbed scanner integrated with a payment system for patron use, or one that will protect rare oversize maps while creating a digital record, there’s a scanner for your library. High speed and productivity are also possible through flatbed scanners.ĭrawbacks of flatbed scanners include being large and bulky.

Again, compared to a sheet-fed scanner which can accept only paper documents, flatbed scanners can accept magazines, books and other thick objects. There is a significant reduction in risk of documents being damaged during scanning, as there is no movement required of the documents, unlike drum or handheld scanners. Due to their ability to scan thick objects, flatbed scanners are more versatile than sheet-fed scanners.

Some flatbed scanners can also have additional features such as automatic document feeders and wireless or Bluetooth connectivity.įlatbed scanners are known for their high-quality scans. A transparent media adapter, found in some flatbed scanners, can scan film and glass negatives.

Almost all flatbed scanners have an adjustable lid which can be raised to allow thicker materials to be scanned. Unlike other types of scanners, a flatbed scanner only requires the user to lay the document onto the glass and close the lid.

Best flatbed scanner for books