Harmonizing Digitization Program

Quick facts

Total projects: 2

Problem statement: There is concern about the ultimate outcomes of mass digitization efforts specifically regarding agreement terms and their affect on use. It is also acknowledged that while the mass digitization partnerships have focused largely on published works, our approaches to special collections will have to evolve to make a significant contribution.

Scope: Staff are continuing to investigate topics of interest related to the digitization of and access to cultural heritage content. We are engaged in a range of cooperative activities directed at shaping policy and practices to maximize the benefits of digitizing collections in libraries, archives, and museums.

Impact: The values that researchers expect from the collective collection will not be achievable unless the agreements with private partners specifically enable them. Empowering institutions with an understanding of desireable terms for digitization partnerships will set the stage for the truly transformative development of a shared body of information and resources. Further, the collective collection is incomplete without the special collections held by libraries, archives, and museums. Amplifying the scale of digitization of primary source materials will serve researchers and underscore the unique value that each institution can contribute.

Projects

• Mass digitization and partnership agreements
  A meeting, identification of desired outcomes of public/private partnerships, a Web resource site.
• Bringing special collections into the large-scale digitization milieu
  Working with partners to raise awareness and enable more efficient digitization of special collections.

Further work

The projects are fairly well-contained activities, but it is expected that in the process, other opportunities to advance this work will arise.