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.

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/NYHeritage should read the Contributors Page.

For more information on the WNYLRC Regional Digitization Program or WNYLRC digitization services, contact the Digital Services Librarian at (716) 633-0705 x119.  

RELATED Links
NYHeritage  (all new collections are added to this site)

WNYLegacy (no collections being added to this site; all WNYLegacy collections duplicated on New York Heritage)