Asking the right questions when digitising cultural heritage

The collective resources used in digitisation processes are dependent on its purpose, and how physical objects are reproduced as digital copies can decide its value. Copies that lack a rigorous digitisation process versus copies as true replicas can have the same visual appearances. While the former may not have the scientific reliability that warrants scholarly use and archiving, it can be reproduced quickly via crowdsourcing approaches if there are large, city-or national-level collections that require an initial broad sweep prior to selective scientific scans. Understanding the nature of digital copies and the purpose of its use can facilitate the strategic investment of resources. The article first categorises the two phases of the use of digital technologies that have transformed how cultural heritage is studied and accessed. It then looks at terminologies associated with digital copies and clarifies definitions, as well as highlights the nature and value of copies as a means toward purposed, strategically balanced use of resources.