Nathan Hall
Director, Digital Imaging and Preservation
Virginia Tech
This session will provide an update on the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant project (LG-15-19-0137-19), “Community Development Model for Digital Community Archives,” which addresses a gap between community collections and research library infrastructure through collaborative digital repatriation and non-custodial collection development. Small regional institutions and community organizations produce and collect rich cultural heritage collections but lack a robust digital infrastructure preservation strategy. Well-resourced institutions with robust digital infrastructure are able to digitize and provide access to such collections, though too often it occurs through physical acquisition, resulting in smaller institutions losing their unique materials. While physical collection acquisition will always play a part in collection development, it should not be the only means for providing digital access and preservation services. Attendees will learn about the project’s methods and strategies for developing and fostering equitable partnerships to expand access to community archives.
