Getting started with digital collections : scaling to fit your organization /

Monson, digitization expert and current digital-initiative librarian for the University of Colorado's latest effort, leads organizations through digitization projects, with a focus on scaling the projects to match the size and capacity of the institution. The book is divided into two parts: managing projects and basic skills. Part 1 is comprised of several short chapters that step readers through a variety of potential environments, from the solo effort to multi-institutional collaborations, complete with equipment descriptions and best-practice suggestions. Part 2 digs into the specifics of the required knowledge for a successful project, including image conversion, metadata, copyright, and preservation. Clear writing, a glossary, and an abundance of additional resources round out this excellent primer, which is appropriate for all library types and environments.--Szwarek, Magan Copyright 2017 Booklist

Monson (digital initiatives librarian, Univ. of Northern Colorado; Jump-Start Your Career as a Digital Librarian) was grounded in digitization training as a graduate student and was responsible for establishing an academic library's new digitization program in her first professional position. Here, she draws from her experience to provide a convenient and practical guide for administrators and staff faced with launching their own digitization programs. Designed for those new to the topic, the book addresses project management, the networking needs of those responsible for digitization without support staff, and collaboration efforts within and beyond the library. The second half focuses on basic skills for digitization work: conversion to high-quality digital images, equipment needs, metadata, how to select an online system for managing digital assets and make them available to end users, copyright issues, and digital preservation. A glossary and chapter references enhance the title's value. Marie Shaw's Library Technology and Digital Resources covers similar ground, but Monson's inclusion of management concerns results in a more comprehensive overview of digitization issues for libraries and museums. VERDICT Recommended for administrators, librarians, and staff wading into the challenging and rewarding world of digitization.-Betty J. Glass, Univ. of Nevada Lib., Reno © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.