Digitizing Collections : Strategic Issues for the Information Manager

The proliferation of developments in digital technology makes choosing the right method of digitizing resources an increasingly complex process for information organizations. This technology is a key way forward in the twenty-first century, but it is important to develop a strategy to fully assess the costs and benefits of going ahead with a digitization project, and to know when it is the right or the wrong time to do so.

This book presents information managers with all the strategic and practical issues to consider when making the decision to digitize their collections. It runs through the digitization process step by step, outlines the different techniques available to deal with a wide range of library resources, and explores the opportunities offered by a collaborative approach to digitization. Fully case- and evidence-based, the text is supported by examples of digitization projects carried out in various types of libraries around the world, and by an extensive list of sources of further information. Divided into two main sections, 'Strategic Decision Making' and 'Digitizing Collections', the chapters include:

Why digitize? The costs and benefits of digitization

Selecting materials for digitization

Intellectual property, copyright and other legal issues

The institutional framework

The importance of collaboration

Project planning and funding

Managing a digitization project

Digitization of rare and fragile materials

Digitization of audio and moving image collections

Digitization of text and images.

Readership

: This key international text offers information managers the benefit of a fully strategic approach to digitization and substantial experience drawn from leading digitization projects. It is also essential reading for managers in heritage institutions such as museums, galleries and local archives, and for students of information science.

Laura Hughes