An increasing number of libraries have added digitization as both a service for the public and to preserve local history. Grant programs through library and historic preservation organizations support digitization efforts, while some libraries choose to invest their own funds. The purpose of digitization is to ensure preservation of otherwise fragile physical media, while maintaining a digital archive provides broad access to the public. Your Regional Library Consultant, the Technology and State Data Coordinator, and KDLA's Electronic Records Management Branch may be able to advise you in establishing these services.
Digitization Services
Capacity for digitization services will vary by local demand and resources. In most situations, libraries provide equipment for public self-service, although a training session may be required. Digitization at the library opens an avenue to preservation that might otherwise be cost prohibitive for an individual or difficult due to scarcity of equipment. If an item pertains to local history, the library may offer to perform the digitization itself if permitted to retain a copy.
Formats available for digitization may include:
- Documents
- Photographs
- Negatives
- Slides
- VHS tapes
- Audio cassettes
- Vinyl records
- Film
Other factors to consider when performing or offering digitization services:
- Cost of equipment.
- Availability of replacement parts or equipment.
- Copyright issues.
- Logistics for use of equipment, including reservations or time limits.
- Training requirements for public use.
- Privacy for digitization of particularly personal, sensitive, or nostalgic items.
- Consideration of appropriate or inappropriate content in policy.
Local Digital Archives
As with digitization services provided to the public, library holdings and preservation of local history will depend upon local needs. It is important to connect with local history organizations and existing preservation efforts before considering the library's role. Some libraries maintain collections of local history and genealogical documentation, which may be candidates for in-house digitization. Others serve as a partner in preservation, such as obtaining grant funding for digitizing a local newspaper's archive and hosting the subsequent digital version online.
Alongside preservation, a key goal for digitizing local material is public access. Software platforms exist to catalog, describe, and present digitized material in its new format. These come with a range of costs and capabilities and should be carefully evaluated for the best fit.
Whichever path is most appropriate for the library, a few points to consider:
- Digitization equipment available.
- Budget for archival or repository software and online hosting.
- Local historical societies, historic sites, preservation societies, and museums.
- Staff time, both in digitizing and adding metadata and tagging.
- Donation policies and forms, and permission for digitization and public access.
- Copyright issues.
Kentucky Digital Library
The Kentucky Digital Library is a collaborative initiative of the Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL) and other Kentucky institutions, designed to provide access to shared, digital archival collections across the Commonwealth. Kentucky colleges, universities, public libraries, and other organizations have uploaded portions of their digitized collections for free public access. These items may be discovered through a browsable and searchable platform. Participants may be responsible for a participation fee after a storage threshold is met.
Interested libraries should contact the administrators of KYVL for more information.