The Digital Collections Librarian is responsible for the following general procedures:

• Metadata Creation and Quality Control

• Digitization Services Management

  • Digitization

  • Rights and Reproductions

  • Studio Maintenance (Regular Oil Changes, light bulbs, inventory)

  • File Management (Retention Schedules and Digital Preservation)

• Digital Collections Application Management

• Other

  • Newsletter Contributions

  • Social Media Team

  • Reporting Analytics

  • User Services

  • Authority Heading Updates

  • Publications Tracking

  • Advocating for the Digital Collections program at the Institute

Intro to the Digital Collections

The Science History Institute Digital Collections program was spearheaded in 2018. As of December 2023, the application is maintained by software developers Eddie Rubiez (erubiez@sciencehistory.org) and Jonathan Rochkind (jrochkind@sciencehistory.org).

The Digital Collections has two platform interfaces: Staging is inaccessible to the public and used for planning and testing functions, and Production controls the public interface. Staging is synched to reflect the Production interface monthly.

                Access Staging here: https://staging-digital.sciencehistory.org/login

                Access Production here: https://digital.sciencehistory.org/login

Digitization

Digitization is completed in the 3^rd Floor Digitization Studio (Office 333) for books and two-dimensional objects, and Lower Level Photography Studio for three-dimensional objects. Digitization is completed using a Digital Transitions Phase One camera back with remote-tethered shooting using Capture One software.

Separate 2D and 3D digitization manuals may be found here: 2-D Digitization and 3-D Digitization

For photographic negatives and various two-dimensional objects, the flatbed scanner located in the technical services room may be utilized for digitization. View Instructions for utilizing the scanner in P:\Othmer Library\Digital Collections - Internal Access\Documentation and Workflows\Digitization EPSON Scanning.docx

Digitization Queue Workflows

Curators are primarily responsible for the selection of digitization candidates. The Digital Collections Librarian may advise as necessary. For guidelines regarding the selection of new materials for the digital collections, view Digital Collections Application Management

Each collecting area uses slightly varying workflows for collaborating with the digital collections.

Current List of Curators Updated July 11 2024:

Rights and Reproductions

For detailed instructions on how to conduct digital reproduction request procedures, see the following: Rights and Reproductions

Correspondence received through the Digital or Reproductions email accounts may include requests for images from researchers, requests for information on the Digital Collections to be altered or improved, copyright inquiries, and miscellaneous questions.

Rights and Reproductions inquiries may come through Digital and Reproductions email accounts or be forwarded by another staff member. Always copy reproductions@sciencehistory.org to generate a ticket for the request. The Digital Collections Librarian should then conduct correspondence through the support portal.

Analytics

Digital Collections Quarterly/Monthly Reports

Google Analytics and Rights and Reproductions data are gathered regularly. Each month, the Digital Collections Librarian should export data from Google Analytics and the Rights and Reproduction ticketing system to track engagement. See