Digital library programs for libraries and archives provides a readable and engaging overview of how to plan for a successful and sustainable digital program for collections owned or managed by libraries or archives. Designed for ‘information professionals who are responsible for developing, managing, and sustaining their institutions’ unique digital collections’ (p. xiv), it is also a useful resource for teaching programmes covering this topic.
The book addresses a gap in digitisation literature by articulating not only the key strategies required to ‘manage, preserve, migrate and curate the digital content’ (p. 58), but also the value of each within the library context. As a result, it emphasises the need for careful planning to avoid ongoing challenges associated with a lack of initial goal-setting, particularly in light of competing business drivers and tight budgets. It also places suitable focus on the development, implementation, review and continuing management of digital strategies so that digital collections remain accessible, preserved and well-managed over time.
Purcell has a range of teaching, research and hands-on experience in the area, which is clearly evident not only in terms of the content, but in the way that content is presented. The book is very well organised, and provides clear discussion on what needs to be done and why. Part one offers useful background context that clarifies the current state of many digital programs in libraries today, providing useful ammunition for anyone who needs to explain why planning is an important part of any digital program. Part two (the main part of the book) introduces the reader to the various steps that help to create a successfully planned, managed and maintained digital program. These include vision and mission building, identifying resources and partnerships, technical standards, and outreach. Part three includes different ‘planning exercises’ around eight very useful templates that include a work plan, an education plan and a collection list. The book also benefits from key point summaries at the end of each chapter, clear definitions for technical and cross-industry aspects that are often assumed (e.g. useful definitions for cloud computing and crowd-sourcing), a useful bibliography, and discussion that re-introduces key purposes and concepts in different contexts so that issues and drivers are more clearly understood.
Overall, this is an extremely useful book for anyone involved in the planning or management of a digitisation or digital management program involving library or archives collections. It will help them to gain the confidence they need to identify the overall requirements and also to set up the necessary steps to ensure the requirements are achieved. While the content tends to emphasise the US library context, the principles and practices outlined in this book are applicable and useful to information management professionals in organisations around the world.
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
© 2016 Sarah Welland
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00049670.2016.1250324