At Troubador Press, we specialize in the technical rescue of at-risk analog history. Unlike industrial scanning warehouses that prioritize speed and volume, our boutique laboratory focuses on true-to-source fidelity and preservation-first handling. We provide museum-grade imaging for collections that are too fragile, rare, or culturally significant for standard commercial equipment. Troubador Press is not a high-volume document conversion service. We focus exclusively on materials that require careful handling, archival imaging standards, and long-term preservation planning.

We provide preservation-grade, FADGI-compliant scans that are ready for your archival team to process. We handle the technical capture and file organization so your staff can focus on the scholarship and cataloging. All scans will be available in the cloud for 6 months at no cost and TIFF scans will be delivered in an external drive.

In addition to preservation imaging, Troubador Press accepts a limited number of small-scale document digitization projects for organizations with legacy paper records. This service is intended for clearly scoped collections that require careful handling, thoughtful organization, or mixed-format capture.

We do not offer high-volume or per-box document conversion services.

On-Site Preservation Imaging (By Request)

• For select projects, Troubador Press can deploy a preservation-grade imaging setup and work on-site within your facility. This option is intended for materials that cannot be transported due to fragility, policy restrictions, or institutional requirements.

• On-site services are offered only for clearly defined, time-limited projects and are quoted as a custom package based on scope, duration, and deliverables.

• Travel and lodging expenses are billed at cost to the project (receipts available upon request).

• Troubador Press is located near Asheville, North Carolina. For qualifying projects within North Carolina, limited day-trip engagements may be available at no additional travel charge.

• Out-of-state on-site projects typically require a minimum engagement of three (3) consecutive days.

Our Technical Standards

FADGI 3-Star and 4-Star Compliance: We provide imaging that meets or exceeds federal guidelines for archival digitization.

No AI Upscaling: We strictly avoid algorithmic "enhancements." Every restoration is based on pure, high-resolution CCD raw scans to ensure historical authenticity.

Zero-Stress Handling: We utilize overhead planetary imaging systems with adjustable V-cradles, ensuring that fragile bindings and brittle paper are never subjected to mechanical rollers or physical pressure.

Pricing

Archival Book & Ledger Scanning

Starting at $1.50–$3.50 per page

Preservation is more than just a scan; it’s about securing the integrity of the original artifact. Our bound-volume service utilizes specialized V-cradle technology to capture high-fidelity images without stressing fragile spines or aged bindings. We provide FADGI-compliant, 600 DPI masters that serve as a permanent digital surrogate for your most prized historical records, rare books, or family ledgers. Handling time, binding condition, page size variation, and required quality control are factored into all preservation quotes.

Preservation imaging projects typically range from $300–$5,000+, depending on condition, format, and deliverables.

Per-page equivalents are shown for planning purposes only.

Fragile Document & Manuscript Rescue

Starting at $3.00–$6.00 per page

For items at the highest risk of loss, we provide a "white-glove" rescue service. This tier is dedicated to brittle, acidic, or deteriorating loose records—such as 19th-century manuscripts, personal letters, and thin "onion skin" documents. Using a no-touch planetary imaging system, we eliminate the risk of mechanical tears or roller damage, ensuring the original remains unharmed while the digital record is perfectly preserved.

Preservation imaging projects typically range from $300–$5,000+, depending on condition, format, and deliverables.

Per-page equivalents are shown for planning purposes only.

Large-Format Heritage Imaging

$20.00–$40.00 per sheet

Capturing oversized history requires specialized optics. We provide single-shot, high-resolution imaging for architectural blueprints, hand-drawn maps, and heritage art prints up to 18" x 24". By avoiding digital "stitching," we guarantee 100% geometric accuracy, making these files ideal for researchers, architects, and historical societies who require a precise, distortion-free record.

Preservation imaging projects typically range from $300–$5,000+, depending on condition, format, and deliverables.

Per-page equivalents are shown for planning purposes only.