Digital Library Programs for Libraries and Archives: Developing, Managing, and Sustaining Unique Digital Collections

by Aaron D. Purcell

Overview

Equally valuable for LIS students just learning about the digital landscape, information professionals taking their first steps to create digital content, and organizations who already have well-established digital credentials, Purcell’s book outlines methods applicable and scalable to many different types and sizes of libraries and archives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838914588
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	06/17/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	640 KB

About the Author

Aaron D. Purcell is professor and director of special collections at Virginia Tech. He earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Tennessee, his master’s of library science from the University of Maryland, College Park, and his master’s degree in history from the University of Louisville. Purcell has also worked at the National Archives and Records Administration, the National Library of Medicine, and the University of Tennessee.

Table of Contents

Digital Library Programs for Libraries and Archives Contents Figures Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part 1. The Theory and Reality of Digital Libraries 1. Growth of Digital Libraries Brief History of Digital Libraries Perspectives from Related Professions Challenges of Technology Original and Unique Digital Content Key Points Notes 2. Context of Today’s Libraries and Digital Libraries Changing Roles for Libraries Fewer Resources, Greater Expectations Library Spaces Assessing the Changes Scholarly Communication and Open Access Management, Storage, and Curation of Data Digital Collections Key Points Notes 3. Digitization and Digital Libraries Stages of Digitization Why Digitize What to Digitize Whom to Include When and Where to Digitize How to Digitize Key Points Notes Part 2. Building Digital Library Programs: A Step-by-Step Process 4. Vision and Mission Building The Mission Statement Vision Building Sustaining and Adapting the Vision Key Points Questions Notes 5. Identifying Resources and Partnerships Who You Are Whom You Know and Want to Know What You Have and What You Need Grants and External Funding Opportunities Key Points Questions Notes 6. Evaluating, Selecting, and Building Digital Collections Evaluating Digital Collections The Power of Primary Sources Types of Unique Collections for Selection Selection of Materials Copyright and Other Rights Key Points Questions Notes 7. Technical Standards Technical Workflows and Documentation The Value of Metadata Technical Elements of Digitization Key Points Questions Notes 8. Management of Digital Projects Librarians as Managers Managing Budgets Outsourcing and Vendors Planning the Work Key Points Questions Notes 9. Outreach and Instruction The Principle and Reality of Access Reaching Audiences Educational Components Key Points Questions Notes 10. Promotion, Assessment, and Sustainability Generating Interest Assessing Effectiveness Enhancing and Sustaining the Effort Key Points Questions Notes 11. Planning Digital Library Programs Transition from Project to Program Strategies for Building Digital Library Programs Notes Part 3. Digital Library Planning Exercises Exercise 1. Vision Building Exercise 2. Resource List Exercise 3. Collections List Exercise 4. Technical Strengths Exercise 5. Plan of Work Exercise 6. Eduction Plan Exercise 7. Marketing Plan Exercise 8. Project Plan Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

11/15/2016
For librarians and archivists taking on a digitization project from scratch, Purcell (director, special collections, Virginia Tech; Academic Archives) offers a guide to help navigate the road ahead, including a theoretical overview of digital libraries and a look at the history of digitization. After providing background on current technological challenges facing libraries, Purcell examines the effects of the ever-changing information world on digital collections. The second half of the book offers a step-by-step process to build digital collections, with exercises that assist readers in defining projects and identify key concerns. Suggestions for marketing, promotion, and outreach can assist in forming strategies to transform projects into sustainable digital library programs. Information on how and when to use an outside vendor for digitization is also presented. VERDICT Librarians and archivists planning or currently in the midst of a digitization project will appreciate this one-stop volume that covers most of their questions, including short- and long-term decisions. Organizations faced with digitizing collections will also find this a valuable tool, especially the detailed plans and samples.—Susan Belsky, Oshkosh P.L., WI

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