Library Digitization Projects, Issues and Guidelines

Caroline Pallone

LG

Lopatin, L. (2006). Library digitization projects, issues and guidelines. Library Hi Tech, 24(2), 273. doi:http://dx.doi.org.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/10.1108/07378830610669637 

Summary

This article talks about the process of digitizing collection items in a library and how pronounced this has become. However, it is also a long process, but an important one as well. As more people move to digital media to access their books, libraries need to keep up and make these materials available online. Lopatin says, "Since, the early 1990s libraries have been embarking on digitization projects to provide access to and to preserve unique materials in their collections" (2006). The author also says, "Access and preservation of materials are the major reasons that libraries are undertaking digitization projects. Through digitization, the library is able to provide access to all sorts of materials - text, photographs, manuscripts, audio, and moving image materials. Digitization also allows for the preservation of rare, fragile, and unique materials" (2006). What the article ultimately is trying to convey is that digitization is vital for a library's survival, and thankfully there is plenty of literature exploring this subject, as well as the process that library managers go through in order to digitize items.

Evaluation

I chose this article because I liked how not only did it explain some of the major issues facing those that digitize items in collections, but also evaluated the literature available on digitizing items in collections. It gives people an insightful look at the genre, and those that want a comprehensive look at the field would benefit greatly from this article. It is also comprehensive and informative, and the issues it touches on really hits home.