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.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Archival 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.
DigEx Program
GPLS’ DigEx Program empowers libraries to use their unique digitized materials to tell the stories of their libraries and communities through online digital exhibits. Using provided access to the Omeka S platform, libraries receive training and support to build and refine their exhibits. Applications to participate in the DigEx Program are accepted on a rolling basis, with an application deadline of August 31st. Final exhibits must be completed by June 1st of the following year.
- Learn more about the program and how your library can participate.
- Apply to participate in the DigEx Program.
- View DigEx Program resources, past webinars, and tools.
- Check out past DigEx Program exhibits at the links below:
Albany, Georgia’s Courthouses, Dougherty County Public Library
Ballard Normal School: African American Student Life in the 1930s, Middle Georgia Regional Library System
Central State Hospital, Milledgeville, GA: One Town’s Unique Experience with Mental Health History, Twin Lakes Libraries and Georgia College & State University
Coronavirus 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.
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.
- Read the Nomination Guidelines
- Email Angela Stanley
- 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.
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
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- Digitization Process
- 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.
Funded Projects
Archival Services and Digital Initiatives has funded the creation of several local and statewide projects. Explore them here.