Ramping up. Evaluating large-scale digitization potential with small-scale resources
| Published date | 12 February 2018 |
| Date | 12 February 2018 |
| Pages | 45-59 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-06-2017-0020 |
| Author | Cory Lampert |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Records management & preservation,Information repositories |
Ramping up
Evaluating large-scale digitization potential
with small-scale resources
Cory Lampert
University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Abstract
Purpose –Digital library managers are facedwith growing pressure to digitize materials efficiently on a
larger scale. This paper aims to address the staffing and other resources needed to evolve smaller scope
operationsinto teams capable of outputting larger-scaleproduction.
Design/methodology/approach –Much of the currentliterature focuses on philosophy of these projects
and issues of metadata and user access. In contrast, this article seeks to supply the much-needed practical
information fordigital library managers who need to take immediate actionto meet new mandates and reach
higher targetgoals within the constraints of limited resources.
Findings –The author will provide an overview of resources needed to increase digitization output and
provide an analysis of three key resources that can be targeted by digital library managers in a range of
environments. These resources will be examined with practical advice given on how new staffing
configurations,outsourcing of materials and high-efficiencyequipment can be implemented in phases.
Originality/value –This paper examines the gap between smaller-scaledigitization and successful large-
scale projects, and offers several possible scenarios for organizations to consider as they choose to move
forward in a way that suits their goals. The focus of this study is neither on the rationale for large-scale
digitization nor on the detailed specificationsfor large-scale digitization workflows. Rather, it will outlinethe
types of resources (internal and external), decisionpoints and specific practical strategies for digital library
managersseeking to start ramping up the production.
Keywords Management, Academic libraries, Digital libraries, Digitization, Workflow,
Large-scale digitization
Paper type Case study
Introduction: the mandate to increase digital production
The digital collections community has done excellent work over the past decade to
communicate the value of digitization in facilitating access to unique collections. The
message has shifted from gaining buy-in for digitization projects to advocating for and
securing resources to boost the capacity of digitization projects. The question is no longer,
“should we digitize?”,but “why aren’t we digitizing more material?”.
There are many ways to measure success in digitization projects. Projects range from
high value-added, richly described collections with item-levelmetadata (often referred to as
“boutique”collections) to large-scale digitization of full archival collections to mass
digitization projectson the scale of the Google Books Project. Many organizations have built
strong digital collectionswith attention to standards and practices that have solid rationale,
but are simply not transferrable to mass production. What should the digital collections
managers do when they receive a mandate to increase production? What processes need to
evolve and what are the important decisions to be made? Often the desire to raise
digitization output is not simultaneously supported with a corresponding budget. Digital
collections managersare left with the challenge to creatively find ways to do more with their
existing resources,while strategically moving their programs forwardto large-scale models.
Large-scale
digitization
potential
45
Received29 June 2017
Revised23 August 2017
Accepted23 August 2017
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.34 No. 1, 2018
pp. 45-59
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-06-2017-0020
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
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