WNYLRC Regional Digitization Program

WNYLRC is committed to working with its member libraries and library systems in developing a regional repository of digital collections derived from our members’ archival and library resources.  Initially funded with a two-year LSTA grant in 2005, WNYLRC has developed a regional digitization program that assists our members in digitizing assets and making them freely available to patrons in WNY through the Internet.  By using a digital asset management system called CONTENTdm, WNYLRC is able to bring a variety of digital collections under a single searchable interface called WNY Legacy (http://www.wnylegacy.org).

This WNYLRC Regional Digitization Program is under the auspices of the Regional Digital Heritage Advisory Subcommittee which reports progress to the Regional Automation Committee (RAC).  RAC oversees RBDB funding for digitization grants to members and WNYLRC-sponsored digitization initiatives.  (See RBDB Grants for funding opportunities.)

 The WNYLRC Regional Digitization Program continues to:

• Evaluate and refine established guidelines and framework for funding and spearheading digitization projects in the region  
• Establish WNYLRC as a regional resource for digitization projects undertaken by its members
• Provide digitization services using WNYLRC’s Digitization Lab for small collections held by member libraries and library systems
• Provide training on the planning of digitization projects, practical components of digitization, and information on copyright issues and business practices (See Professional Development and workshop listings on our website)
• Expand WNY Legacy by increasing the number of collections available by funding member library and library systems digitization projects
• Explore and establish the addition of educational components such as lesson plans to appeal to the K-12 market
  

Participation and Services

Member libraries and library systems who have a collection they would like to contribute to WNY Legacy should read the Introductory document and complete a collection application form .pdf or .doc version. The application is reviewed by the Regional Digital Heritage Advisory Subcommittee to determine an applicant’s ability to meet regional digitization guidelines including WNYLegacy Metadata Template (See also WNY Legacy Metadata Dictionary wiki page at http://www.wnylrcwatch.org)  and to assess the importance of the collection to the region.  The applicant must also complete a Copyright and Right to Use Agreement that is sent in the packet with the application.  Once a collection is approved, the applicant will work with the Special Projects librarian to obtain clearance to upload the collection into WNY Legacy through the CONTENTdm back end.  Applicants should review the WNY Regional Digitization Plan and all other documents mentioned here before submitting an application. Also see the  WNY Legacy Workflow Chart for information on the application process.

Current WNYLegacy participants will benefit from reviewing the CONTENTdm Training Manual for WNYLegacy.

For more information on the WNYLRC Regional Digitization Program or WNYLRC digitization services, contact the Regional Services Librarian at (716) 633-0705 x116.