The opportunities afforded by computer technology mean that scholars are now increasingly visualising ways in which digital technology can provide significant advantages to their research. The digitised image allows the scholar to investigate details previously invisible to the naked eye; a database allows the researcher to analyse vast amounts of information that were formerly unmanageable. Funding bodies, such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council, are keen to sponsor research that utilises such technology, but want to ensure that those using a digital component within their research are aware that digitisation is not a simple process. Digitised data has to be managed with care, with close attention paid to issues such as copyright, data formats and preservation. Thus those applying for AHRB Resource Enhancement, Research Grants and Fellowships in the Creative and Performing Arts schemes with a digital project in mind are required to complete a technical appendix, and therefore demonstrate their awareness of these issues (by Alastair Dunning, AHDS, 2001).

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