Digital Transformation of Libraries Ensures Better User Access

2018

Digital Transformation of Libraries Ensures Better User Access Libraries and other organizations are in the process of scanning their resources with the help of document scanning services to protect the originals.

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In the new age of networked society, advances in information technology are gradually changing the world into a global village. This has also increased the demand for wellequipped and inter-connected libraries. Libraries and research organizations are now in the process of scanning their resources with the help of document scanning services.

A digitized library collection helps to protect the original material; and for students, researchers and scholars it is easier to access the library’s digital collections, e- books, online catalogs and other resources through the internet. All public libraries nationwide are moving towards digital transformation in keeping with the new requirements of users. They are offering books and other reference materials that visitors can utilize effectively.

Minimizing Data Storage Costs for Libraries Libraries and museums, large or small, are opening up their precious and historic collections to the public with the help of document scanning and digitalization. Today, new resources arrive in a library in digital format as well, but old resources have to be digitized and stored safely. A major advantage of having a digital collection is that it reduces the need for floor space. However, the cost of backed up storage has held back many libraries from going digital; limited archive of digitized material has also been a deterrent. A remedy to this problem is the use of cloud storage. Moving to cloud storage is a cost-effective option for libraries that ensures maximum protection of digital data from any theft, loss, or server failure. Today, digitization services offer cloud storage that help to improve library services in a budget-friendly manner.

Brookhaven Public Library Gets Grant for Digitization Now, libraries have the option of applying for financial support for digitization. The Brookhaven Public Library for instance, received more than $10,000 as grant for training, equipment as well as for records storage. The Mississippi Library Commission has awarded $10,500 in Institute of Museum and Library Service and Technology Act grants to the Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library to improve and maintain their library services. Library patrons average around 2,500 computer sessions a month; they utilize public computers for activities such as social media, online classes and research, and job applications. •

The library will start with the digitization of their microfilm collection to searchable portable

documents

through

microfilm

scanning.

This

collection

includes

newspapers, census records and other archives that are accessible on the library’s website.

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(800) 670 2809

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The library will be updating its digitization equipment for better public access to the website. The staff and public computers which cannot be updated will be replaced with new ones. The new advanced equipment helps scan large images, slides, and photos more efficiently and easily.

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Apart from assisting libraries to buy new equipment and encouraging complete digitization, the aim of this grant is also to cover the cost of professional training so that the library staff can be up to date with the latest technology and be of better assistance to the patrons. The grant provides funds for registration fees, travel expenses and meals.

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The grant funds will also be used to balance the costs of interlibrary loan services.

These services are made available to the public free of cost, and patrons can request material from other libraries and institutions.

The Mississippi Library Commission awards grants to libraries across the state for covering costs such as equipment and professional training. Libraries can apply for competitive or non-competitive grant The Digitization Advantage Digitization of library resources has provided a new platform for the preservation of valuable, old documents and also enables online access to these rich resources. If you wish to digitize your library resources, make sure that you approach a reliable document scanning company that can handle huge volumes of fragile documents without causing any damage to the originals. Digitization solutions include: •

Bulk document scanning: Rather than scanning single pages, large volumes of documents are scanned in bulk. This saves time as well as costs.

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OCR Scanning: Optical Character Recognition allows editing and markup in the scanned files. It allows searching for keywords and editing text.

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On-site and Off-site scanning: Scanning can be done offsite or onsite according to your preference. On-site scanning reduces the risk of losing or misplacing files whereas offsite scanning provides more options when it comes to scanning of files in various sizes.

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Microfilm and Microfiche Scanning: Earlier, companies used to store data in microfiche and microfilm but with advancements in technology these are now converted into digital format for easier access.

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Large format scanning of architectural drawings: This involves scanning of engineering or architectural drawings, big posters and so on with utmost quality.

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(800) 670 2809

The advantages of digitization are many. In fact, forward-looking organizations cannot ignore

the

technological

advancements

that

bring

so

much

opportunities to people. The role of companies providing

convenience

and

document scanning

solutions is very significant, with many of these firms functioning as virtual extensions of their client organizations. The possibility of having the resources they need at their fingertips is the best gift for researchers as well as the public that are looking for some information or other. That is the major reason why libraries and such other institutions with valuable resources are increasingly digitizing their collections and improving user access.

www.managedoutsource.com

(800) 670 2809