Library Alliances for Digital Projects There is a local history themed digital library that exists as part of our library network, CMRLS known as Digital Treasures. It is an online repository for Central Massachusetts’ local historical photographs and to a lesser degree written text. Annual maintenance for the images and migrating formats when necessary by preparing for changes in software comes with a per image annual cost, for membership in Digital Treasures. We hope to join forces with this larger library network as Inter-institutional alliances are recommended by The Association of Research Libraries which proposes that because long term viability of digital objects is an admitted challenge the plus side is that, “ the library profession has a long history of developing standards and best practices in order to support sustainable operations and facilitate inter-institutional collaboration.” “ (Arthur, K., 2004,p 2). Established standards must be followed and selection for digitization must be considered with thought. Files must be saved in standards-based formats; data must be recorded describing such formats for successful future retrieval. This level of professionalism can be best achieved by joining up with an established digital library maintained for members of the library network. Critical Need for a User Policy
 Fire on Main Street Hopkinton 1901  Conclusion
These issues are critically related to the preservation of the materials in Hopkinton’s collection. We need to physically protect and stabilize the condition of Hopkinton’s unique historical items to prevent further deterioration and we must simultaneously improve access to less delicate items specifically requested by researchers. We will consider reformatting when the original item is fragile but information contained within it is important to users; such priorities must be set and addressed.
Security issues must be dealt with to eliminate the possibility of materials being stolen or vandalized and storage conditions must be reviewed in order to improve the overall condition of the holding area, importantly housekeeping and storage conditions can be improved. Consideration of potential emergency situations must be dealt with; someone must take a serious look at the overhead bell tower! We can always seek outside help through contacting organizations such as The New England Document Conservation Center, a unique facility whose online materials can aid us with planning for and preventing of emergency situations. Additionally, a policy must be created considering the library’s overall philosophy and vision, its emphasis on serving the local community, and the need for balancing, protecting and preserving the archival and historical materials while providing improved intellectual and physical access for users. It is also possible that we will eventually identify specific items for future reconstruction by a trained conservator, an expensive action performed by highly trained specialists in order to restore such items to their original condition. Digitization and the complex problems associated with the rapid changing of computer hardware and software must be carefully considered as some digital formats will become obsolete within a short period of time. Such preservation decisions attempt to stabilize materials for the long-term. We need to be better custodians of our local historical and archival materials, using a preservationists mindset, thinking of long-term planning rather than short-term solutions to maintaining and preserving our local history and archival collection. |