Building Digital Libraries: Scanning Is Still Hip High-Tech

(Via RLG Shelflife)

Scanning is far from dead; it remains a fundamental skill for digital librarians. Most collections, even when the percentage of copyrighted material is subtracted, still have vast amounts of print treasures just waiting to go digital. Tech-savvy collection specialists can create a modest-sized, manageable digitization project using a new generation of scanners that makes it easier than ever to get started without relying on grants or other outside funding. These products are reasonably priced, smaller, quicker, lighter -- and much more reliable than their ancestors. Many interesting digital libraries are modest sized projects, yet high in value to researchers. The first step is to conduct a thorough survey of the targeted collection, looking for photographs, memorabilia, or other historical materials, especially if they have historic value. Select a small, manageable portion of those unique materials, scan and upload them to your Web site to make it more eye-catching. Oftentimes a tangible resource, like digital collections in nascent form, can help attract outside funding, especially for persistent grant writers who establish a track record. Creating a prototype digital library from scratch may yield a new revenue stream later on, or it may help build a relationship with a consortium, based on new awareness of what the collection has to offer.

Information Today (Nov-Dec 2004)

Posted by Tom on December 16, 2004