THE PLANNING AND CREATION OF DIGITAL PROJECTS: ISSUES AND EXAMPLES IN THE GEOSCIENCES

Digital projects have become an important part of library services during the last decade. Digitization is particularly valuable in the geosciences for a number of reasons. First, historic geologic materials are often fragile and require protection from handling. The creation of digital copies readily resolves this problem by allowing users to access the content of historic materials online. Second, digitization frequently allows users to search the full text of these materials providing greater access to the content than ever before. Many other advantages of digitization might also be espoused, including the creation of one "virtual" collection of materials found in many different "physical" locations and the provision of worldwide access to what were once only local materials.

Despite the many advantages of a digital collection, a variety of issues arise when planning and creating any digital object. Geologic materials are particularly problematic due to the variety of formats, for example, text with tables, maps, and folded plates. Preparing to scan these diverse materials can be a complicated process. Other issues that might be encountered involve copyright, material selection, scope and planning, and access and design. While more guides and literature are becoming available on this topic, the voice of experience can often provide the best advice. The pitfalls encountered at Penn State University’s Fletcher L. Byrom Earth and Mineral Sciences Library during the creation of several digital projects provides insights into both prospective problems and solutions.