The Best of Both Worlds: A Digital Preservation Project

Abstract

Purpose

Using modern digitization techniques, seeks to create a searchable, full‐text representation of the first issue of The American Library Journal.

Design/methodology/approach

The original objectives of the project included designing a representation and surrogate to capture the look and feel of the original volume 1 of The American Library Journal dated 1876. Owing to the lack of uniqueness of the container of the journal, the project refocused on providing digital access to the intellectual content of the journal.

Findings

The digitization and subsequent creation of a digital collection provides and extends access and usability to the University of North Texas population to an otherwise deteriorating and unusable journal. Knowledge gained in the process may help others plan and implement other digitization projects.

Originality/value

This paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of a small scale scanning project.

Citation

Whitt, J. and Hastings, S.K. (2005), "The Best of Both Worlds: A Digital Preservation Project", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 22 No. 10, pp. 13-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/07419050510644338