Managing Digitization Activities · 15
iArchives, along with 31 others. The high number of
vendors likely indicates that the widely dispersed
survey respondents are using local vendors.
Metadata Creation
The most widely used metadata standards in digi-
tization projects are Dublin Core (92%), MARC
(84%), XML (75%), and EAD (69%). Fewer than half
of the respondents, but still a substantial number,
use TEI (45%), METS (38%), VRA Core (31%), and
MODS (25%) 25% report using a range of other
standards.
Assessment
How libraries evaluate the success of their digitiza-
tion efforts varies according to whether they are as-
sessing material selection, material digitization, or
metadata creation. Material selection is most often
assessed through user feedback, testing, and sur-
veys, but also through usage data. Material digiti-
zation is most often assessed through quality con-
trol inspections, but also through user surveys and
feedback, and usage statistics. Benchmarking, best
practices, and meeting project deadlines also serve
as assessment tools to assess material digitization.
Metadata creation is most often evaluated based
on quality assurance reviews and inspections. Best
practices and user surveys and feedback are also
used.
Conclusion
Comments throughout the survey indicate that
many libraries are in a period of transition as they
attempt to determine the best organization, staffing,
and budgeting models for their particular digitiza-
tion operations. Small-scale operations are ramp-
ing up for more substantial activity. Collaborative
projects are common. Digitization activities in-
crease the availability and access to information for
everyone, not just an institution’s local users. As
libraries continue to pursue digitization activities,
it’s important to share what is learned in order to
benefit from each other’s experiences and develop
a collective knowledge of best practices.
iArchives, along with 31 others. The high number of
vendors likely indicates that the widely dispersed
survey respondents are using local vendors.
Metadata Creation
The most widely used metadata standards in digi-
tization projects are Dublin Core (92%), MARC
(84%), XML (75%), and EAD (69%). Fewer than half
of the respondents, but still a substantial number,
use TEI (45%), METS (38%), VRA Core (31%), and
MODS (25%) 25% report using a range of other
standards.
Assessment
How libraries evaluate the success of their digitiza-
tion efforts varies according to whether they are as-
sessing material selection, material digitization, or
metadata creation. Material selection is most often
assessed through user feedback, testing, and sur-
veys, but also through usage data. Material digiti-
zation is most often assessed through quality con-
trol inspections, but also through user surveys and
feedback, and usage statistics. Benchmarking, best
practices, and meeting project deadlines also serve
as assessment tools to assess material digitization.
Metadata creation is most often evaluated based
on quality assurance reviews and inspections. Best
practices and user surveys and feedback are also
used.
Conclusion
Comments throughout the survey indicate that
many libraries are in a period of transition as they
attempt to determine the best organization, staffing,
and budgeting models for their particular digitiza-
tion operations. Small-scale operations are ramp-
ing up for more substantial activity. Collaborative
projects are common. Digitization activities in-
crease the availability and access to information for
everyone, not just an institution’s local users. As
libraries continue to pursue digitization activities,
it’s important to share what is learned in order to
benefit from each other’s experiences and develop
a collective knowledge of best practices.
