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Last Issue:
Tuesday,
December
18
2007
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UM Libraries' Collections Go Digital
By Cassandra Wilson
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"Thistledownflight," back of the manuscript. Papers of Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries
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For more than two years, the University of Maryland Libraries has been working methodically to convert many of its rare and unique collections to digital format. The conversion supports the teaching mission of the university and makes university holdings readily available to students, teachers and the general public.
"Having them [collections] available in digital format means more people will have access and hopefully use them," says Susan Schreibman, assistant dean and head of digital collections and research.
The process of digitizing university collections was propelled by several factors, one of the most important of
which is preservation. Many university holdings contain materials that are rare, valuable and fragile and need to be handled as little as possible.
Schreibman says converting special collections from analog to digital means more people may be able to enjoy them longer.
One example where preservation is critical to a collection is audio. Most archived audio exists on mediums that are quickly becoming obsolete and are played on equipment that may not be available in the future. As people continue to adapt to the latest hardware
and software for their audio needs, they must visit the libraries to use audio materials in the collections.
"Most people don't go to archives," Schreibman says. "Technology allows people to enjoy these collections with very little effort."
People can access the Digital Collections at home, in the library or anywhere they use a computer. Materials can be used to teach, do research or to enjoy for personal pleasure.
Reasons for digitizing the collections are varied. Holdings such as University AlbUM were created in preparation for the university's 150th Anniversary in 2005. Other collections such as Films@UM
and The Jim Henson Works were converted from analog to digital due to strong community interest.
One holding that has attracted attention since it was digitized is the Sterling Family Papers, a collection of correspondence between three members of a Maryland family during the Civil War. Relatives of the family located the archive through an Internet search and contacted the university.
"They were delighted to find it," Schreibman says. Sterling descendents did not know the university collection existed and have since sent photos to the Libraries to add to the collection.
To access the UM Libraries' Digital Collections, visit www.lib.umd.edu.
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