Digitization and Discoverability…Two Steps forward

Numerous advances in technology and tools available have enabled libraries and archives to make collections visible and accessible, however challenges to the process remain. Digitization can be a complex process requires decision-making, analysis, and planning when starting a project. Best practices for the process often include material selection criteria, technology, preservation measures, quality control, and enhancement procedures. After digitization, creating metadata or descriptive information requires not only the librarian’s technical knowledge but also subject expertise. To evaluate and determine what information to retain to facilitate users finding the content, it is essential to know the communities we serve. This presentation will discuss the experiences of two academic libraries with digitization and metadata creation to improve access to archival materials. The presentation will also feature a demonstration of a “Travel Digitization Kit” available from SEFLIN to support digitization initiatives by member libraries.