This session will explore how Gale, part of Cengage Learning, brought the nineteenth century, a true “Digital Mt. Everest,” under sound editorial and technological control with Nineteenth Century Collections Online. The sheer volume of publishing in the nineteenth century, the lack of a comprehensive global bibliography, and the globalization of publishing are enough to make any publisher anxious. Thanks to the Industrial Revolution and steam-powered presses as well as an increase in the literacy rate, publishing exploded and expanded in this period. How does one approach the mammoth goal of comprehensively digitizing the nineteenth century—the books, the manuscripts, the images, the newspapers, the pamphlets, and much more?
Attendees will hear how Gale, working closely with an independent advisory board, approached these many challenges and eventually reached the summit of this Digital Everest with the launch of the first archives of Nineteenth Century Collections Online. Short videos exploring the work done with source institutions will help engage the audience and tell the digitization story from a variety of perspectives.
Attendees will learn how to develop a digitization program that “makes sense” for a broad array of users, and the importance of planning for this journey. They will learn how to overcome challenges – both with content and technology – when embarking on a digitization program. They’ll walk away with a better understanding of commercial partner timelines and concerns for mutual benefit. Finally, attendees will learn to how travel together up the mountain – hearing best practices for libraries and archives as well as curators, researchers and faculty.
Please note: session will be recorded.
