THE COLLECTION

The University of Illinois Archives is currently holding 22,658.8¹ cu. ft. of archival material from ALA. The collection has a collection-level description that is browseable and searchable from the web. Most series have folder level descriptions that further aid users to find the information they are looking for. However an item level-description that is browseable and seachable from the web will be a great improvement in access. In order to achieve that improvement the items need to be digitized and entered into a database that is accesible from the web.
 

Due to the volume of available ALA Archives materials, some selection criteria are needed to start digitizing the materials. There are several criteria used in selecting which collections have the priority to be digitized: The materials are of much interest to broader audience [audio visual materials fall into this category] The materials have passed into the Public Domain [see: "When Works Pass Into the Public Domain" by Peter B. Hirtle] Technically feasible - given the currently available resources (volume of materials, equipments, storage, and time) [visual materials fall into this category]

Sample of Faxon Collection Photograph

Sample of Library Building Postcard

Based on the aforementioned criteria, a decision was made to start the digitization project by converting the Faxon Collection from the Conference Photographs series (99/1/14) and the Library Building Photographs series (99/1/15). Up to the time this report was composed, the whole Faxon Collection had been digitized (except for some oversized-panoramic photographs), metadata had been entered into the CONTENTdm through the Acquisition Module, and a custom search page had been created to assist users in searching and/or browsing the collection. Some photographs and postcards from the Library Building Photographs collection (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, and California) had also been digitized and are available through the web. Future efforts are needed to continue digitizing this collection and other collections at the ALA Archives.

Composed by: Aditya Nugraha (anugraha_a@yahoo.com)
Created: July 2003
Last updated: July 24, 2003

Endnote:
¹ University of Illinois Archives Annual Report 2002.