Archival Services and Digital Initiatives: Simplifying Digitization, Preserving History

Our digitization initiative, Archival Services and Digital Initiatives (formerly Georgia HomePLACE), encourages public libraries and related institutions across Georgia to participate in The Digital Library of Georgia, which is an initiative of GALILEO.

Archival Services and Digital Initiatives has facilitated the addition of over 700,000 unique items to the Digital Library of Georgia allowing free, online access to primary sources on local history.

We offer a highly collaborative model for digitizing primary source collections related to local history and genealogy including collection assessment, project planning, digital imaging, staff training, promotion, and support for grant and other funding opportunities.

Archival Services and Digital Initiatives is committed to developing a customized strategy for digitization that works with your institution.

Contact:
Angela Stanley
Director, Archival Services and Digital Initiatives

Phone: 404-235-7200

Reserve a DigiKit

Institute of Museum and Library Services logoArchival Services and Digital Initiatives and other Georgia Public Library Service programs are partially assisted with funds from the Library Services and Technology Act through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

coronavirus chronicles logo imageryCoronavirus Chronicles

As this historic moment unfolds, Georgia’s libraries, archives, and cultural heritage organizations are stepping up to document the virus’ impact and preserve these artifacts for future research and study.

Share your story.

Areas of Expertise

I want to digitize a collection. What do I need to do? How do I apply?

Great! When planning for your project, one of the very first things you’ll need to consider how you’ll select which items to digitize. Archival Services and Digital Initiatives has developed guidelines to help you prioritize and assess your collections. Most digital projects begin with an email, phone call, or site visit.

  1. Read the Nomination Guidelines
  2. Email Angela Stanley
  3. Schedule a site visit

Process Overview

Before you get started

Digitizing a collection and making it publicly available involves more than scanning documents and uploading them to the internet. Read these tips before starting your project for an overview of expectations.

    1. Guidelines and Expectations
    2. Assessment Rubric

Application

Archival Services and Digital Initiatives funding opportunities are available to public libraries and partner institutions, and nominations for collections are accepted year-round. When you’re ready, click here to submit an application.

After You Apply

If your project meets the guidelines and collections development criteria listed above, it may be eligible for funding. Check out the links below to learn more about the digitization process and digital project management.
    1. Digitization Process
    2. Managing your collection

Resources

Care of archives and special collections is about more than just digitization, and digitization is about more than just scanning. Since most people working in libraries don’t have a background in archival studies, Archival Services and Digital Initiatives has created a list of resources for getting you started.

Reserve a DigiKit

The Digitization Loaner Kits (DigiKits) provide libraries with access to scanning technology without needing to purchase costly equipment. Inspired by the GPLS Tech Loaner Kits, the DigiKits can be used for both staff and patron training and programming.

Reserve a DigiKit

Funded Projects

Archival Services and Digital Initiatives has funded the creation of several local and statewide projects. Explore them here.