Innovative training solutions for digitization

Summary form only given. The benefits of digitizing library collections are important and diverse. Patrons outside traditional geographic boundaries can be served along side local patrons. Access to local history, a vibrant part of many library holdings, and original, rare, and/or valuable materials can be greatly expanded. However, the practice of digitization can fall short of its promise due to poor planning and a lack of digitization skills. Moreover, quality digitization training is not always accessible or feasible given the time, expense, and staff limitations for many institutions. The Basics and Beyond digitization training program offers a novel solution for this problem. Administered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library, the Illinois State Library, and the Illinois Heritage Association, Basics and Beyond offers three digitization training options to cultural heritage institutions: one-day on-site workshops, three-week online training, and three-week online training followed by a hands-on workshop. The content of the workshops provides participants with an overview of the digitization process. Topics presented include: project planning, equipment selection, metadata, and standards and best practices for digitizing materials