A marathon not a sprint: Lessons learnt from the first decade of digitisation at the National Library of Wales

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of developments in digitisation policy and practice at the National Library of Wales (NLW) from 1995 to 2007 and drawing out the lessons learnt.

Design/methodology/approach

A chronological overview of developments focusing on the pilot phase, policy statements of 2001 and 2005 and on specific projects that have been undertaken during this period.

Findings

Provides a comprehensive view of digitisation at NLW and its evolution over time as well as identifying some key strategic decisions and some important lessons learnt.

Research limitations/implications

This paper aims to outline developments as they occurred at NLW and does not aim to place those developments, or any current or future strategies, in a wider context.

Originality/value

This paper provides the digitisation community with an account of how digitisation was adopted as a core function (at a relatively early stage) by a national repository and can be of value to those still considering implementing digitisation in earnest for the first time or are looking anew at their digitisation strategy.

Citation

Arwel Jones, R. (2008), "A marathon not a sprint: Lessons learnt from the first decade of digitisation at the National Library of Wales", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 42 No. 2, pp. 97-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330810867675