Merrilee Proffitt (OCLC) gives an overview of challenges currently faced by libraries working to digitize collections, as reported in a series of discussions hosted by OCLC Research. These challenges, which will inform future work from OCLC Research, include:
Metadata: Item-level description vs collection descriptions
“…there is an inherent challenge in digitizing collections at the item or page level when the bulk of the description is at a collection level.”
Process management / workflow / shift from projects to programs
“Some institutions are looking to establish workflows that will more effectively allow them to leverage patron-driven requests, while others are thinking about the implications of contributing content to aggregators like DPLA.”
Selection – prioritizing users over curators and funders
“Many institutions are still operating under a model whereby curators or subject librarians feed the selection pool, either through a formal or informal process.”
Audio/Visual materials
“As with born digital, everyone has A/V materials in their collection, and making them more accessible is a concern.”
Access: are we putting things where scholars can find them
“For many institutions, aggregation is the name of the game, and thinking as a community about aggregating content is key.”
