Digital Content in Marmot Libraries Project Proposal 2014-2015 24 2014 Executive Summary In June 2014, 17 of 24 library directors expressed support for a database of historical documents or special collections. member libraries implement Marmot VuFind 2014 thru the fall of 2014, the next major development project could be to setup a framework to digitize unique local content and make it readily available via VuFind. Project activities would include selecting software for scanning and storing photos and documents; copying and storing music and video; and creating appropriate metadata. Infrastructure at Marmot might include an Internet upgrade as well as server and storage facilities suitable for large digital objects. For libraries unable to afford special equipment or staff dedicated to creating metadata, a central facility would be identified or set up to perform digitization tasks. This project build on the success of a genealogy database currently maintained by Mesa County PLD, Eagle Valley LD, and Bud Werner ML. Since 2011 these library districts have entered 150,426 obituaries and cemetery records, many with photographs stored on a Marmot content server. We should look into Colorado services such as the Alliance Digital Repository (ADR), and statewide projects that might eventually make Western Slope content discoverable in online services such as the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). Project Outline Set up Digital repository (software, hardware, training). Evaluate and purchase hardware to digitize physical materials (photographs, documents, and possibly books). Evaluate and purchase hardware for audio recording or determine that audio recordings are out of scope. Evaluate and purchase hardware for recording 3D objects or determine this is out of scope. Create cataloging standards for digital objects Digitize and catalog a sample of documents for each Marmot Library. These could be from the library’s own collection or from historical societies, museums, etc that are in the same district as the library. Integrate digital repository into VuFind (or separate instance for digital repository).
Bud Werner “Keenly interested.” [No specific budget, but money could be found for a good project.] –Chris Painter Local history materials in book format CCU “Terrific idea! The LSTA grants for CCU aren’t a real good match but LSTA grants that include us, such as Prospector and this idea, are wonderful.” [100th anniversary of CCU might enable special funding.] –Gayle Gunderson Yearbooks already digitized with LYRASIS Lots more One student curating 20 hrs/week CMC “… I would love to see a digital repository for Marmot libraries; either as a standalone or as a partnership with the Alliance.” [Faculty asking about digitizing.] –Kevin Williams Each campus has unique history Capstone projects CMU “I recommend expanding Nancy’s great idea. Those documents should be digitized and made available to people who live beyond your immediate region. These historical documents, many of them unique documents, are gold to researchers.” –Sarah Cron Eagle Valley
Garfield County “Yes. We've tried and failed several times to get NEH preservation grants and would love to get something moving. … Just a logistical question. If we applied for this grant consortially, how would the money be expended? Would we apply for sub-grants? Would we come up with a way to prorate based on size? Based on need? Would everyone get X to support any projects they may have? First come, first served? Just curious.” –Amelia Shelley Collection of documents from Rulison Blast Site. Local History Collection at New Castle branch. Arts community materials. Born-digital content (looking ahead). Grand County Gunnison County “I also support Nancy G's idea. We have many valuable local history files that would be so much more accessible if digitized.” Trimm Local history Mesa County [MCPLD team is now creating content; building partnerships with local cultural organizations; and working with Marmot to develop infrastructure.] -Joseph Sanchez Photos Music Videos MCVSD51
Pitkin County [Plenty of resources; interested, but not ready for this project until after building project; concerned about whether grant proposal will succeed.] –Kathy Chandler Local historical society Music Associates of Aspen Aspen Institute Rocky Mountain Institute Local TV Grass Roots PVSD50 Rampart “I totally agree!” –Anne Knowles Salida [Interested.] -Jeff Donlan already has hundreds of photos SSSD Summit County Town of Vail “Vail Public is interested in this project, as well. I would lean towards sharing the grant $$ based on need, first, then size. Great ‘food for thought’ for the Executive Board .... Thx!” –Lori Barnes Library history history Wilkinson “Yes. This would be a great project.” –Sarah Landeryou Cemetery Map Oral histories on CD Museum photo collection of ephemera (news clippings about the ski area)
WSCU “I just met with Western’s grants coordinator about an NEH grant titled Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants. The description seems like it could complement a LSTA grant and Marmot’s interest in coordinating a digital project for members ().” [Concerned about sustainability. bepress contacted Western after initial contact with UGWCD.] –Nancy Gauss Historic photos scanned by volunteers into Past Perfect Oral histories Student data Gunnison Water Conservancy District