Digitizing special collections: to boldly go where we've been before

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to present issues related to digitization in the context of the historical role and purpose of academic special collections.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a comparison of current issues related to digitization to historical issues related to the management of traditional print special collections.

Findings

The current issues are not new. Technology has not dramatically altered the role of special collections in academic libraries.

Research limitations/implications

Based on personal observation and experience and an awareness of issues, but essentially a personal viewpoint.

Practical implications

May provide non‐special collections librarians with a better understanding of, or different perspective on, the popular notion of “digitizing special collections” and of special collections historically and generally.

Originality/value

This is the viewpoint of an experienced head of special collections, a trained academic historian, and someone who has been involved in a number of digital projects.

Citation

Michel, P. (2005), "Digitizing special collections: to boldly go where we've been before", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 379-395. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830510621793