74 · SPEC Kit 294
University of Georgia
http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/AboutDLG/Mission.html
Home » About the Digital Library of Georgia » Mission
Mission
The Digital Library of Georgia is a GALILEO initiative based at the University of Georgia Libraries that collaborates with Georgia's Libraries,
archives, museums, and other institutions of education and culture to provide access to key information resources on Georgia history,
culture, and life. This primary mission is accomplished through the ongoing development, maintenance, and preservation of digital collections
and online digital library resources. The Digital Library of Georgia also provides digital library, photographic, and micrographic services, and
supports the instruction, research, and service missions of GALILEO and the University System of Georgia through collaboration with
university faculty, students, and staff, and through participation on local and national levels in the development of digital library standards,
practice, and technology. The Digital Library facilitates cooperative ventures with other organizations and provides leadership for cooperative
digital initiatives throughout the state.
The Digital Library of Georgia at the University of Georgia Libraries has three functional units:
Digital Library of Georgia Production Center
The Digital Library of Georgia Production Center supports the mission and goals of the Digital Library of Georgia by
developing, maintaining, and preserving collections of digital content in collaboration with staff from partner institutions,
University of Georgia Libraries, and GALILEO. Its work includes metadata, text encoding, and development of supplemental
content. The DLG Production Center also includes the ongoing Georgia Government Publications initiative to digitize all
publications created by Georgia state agencies.
Photographic Services
Photographic Services supports the mission of the Digital Library of Georgia and the University Libraries by working closely
with the Digital Library of Georgia Production Center to provide digital imaging services for Digital Library of Georgia
projects. Photographic Services also provides quality photographic and digital imaging services to patrons of the University of
Georgia Libraries special collections libraries and University students, faculty, and staff.
Micrographic Services/Georgia Newspaper Project
Micrographic Services supports the mission of the Digital Library of Georgia and the University Libraries by preserving
collections of materials related to the history and culture of Georgia for ongoing access and providing micrographic
reproduction services to Library patrons and University students, faculty, and staff. Micrographic Services has primary
responsibility for the Georgia Newspaper Project, part of the United States Newspaper Program. The Georgia Newspaper
Project films 200 current newspapers on an ongoing basis, and it provides microfilm to libraries, organizations, and
individuals across the state. In operation since 1953, the Georgia Newspaper Project has filmed Georgia newspapers dating
from the 18th century to the present, and from every county in Georgia that publishes a newspaper.
top
Guiding Principles
Usability and accessibility. Build highly usable and accessible collections to make resources available to as wide a range of
researchers, scholars, students, and the general public as possible.
Standards and best practices. Make use of standards, best practices, and open systems whenever possible to ensure longevity of
and ongoing access to digital, photographic, and micrographic resources. Contribute to development of these standards and best
practices by participation and collaboration with other digital library projects.
Added value. Provide not only digital facsimiles of historical and cultural materials, but strive to include rich background, contextual
information, description, and metadata to promote deeper analysis and greater understanding of the collections and materials.
Likewise, develop and implement digital library tools and services to promote enhanced interpretation, context, and understanding.
Copyright. Respect the rights of copyright owners and partner repositories by observing current laws and regulations regarding
copyright and fair use.
Digital preservation. Maintain and promote awareness and understanding of preservation of digital collections and take steps
throughout the life cycle of digital materials to ensure ongoing access and usability.
Appropriate use of technology. Implementation of new technology will follow the mission and goals of the Digital Library, rather than
technology for its own sake. The Digital Library will maintain awareness of digital library and technological developments.
top
Goals
Build a sustainable and scalable digital library infrastructure.
Build comprehensive digital collections that reflect the full wealth of Georgia's history and culture and ensure fair representation of
traditionally under-represented groups.
Preserve library collections, including sensitive cultural and historical resources through appropriate means such as photographic and
micrographic reproduction.
Previous Page Next Page