Creating a digital library of three-dimensional objects in CONTENTdm

Purpose – This paper aims to describe a project conducted by the University of Oklahoma Libraries to create a digital collection consisting of three-dimensional scientific objects. Design/methodology/approach – The University of Oklahoma Libraries developed the following methodology for creating a digital collection of three-dimensional objects. Digital still photographs of six sides of each object where created. These photographs were then used to create videos that emphasized the most interesting feature on each side of the object. These videos were then imported into CONTENTdm using the picture cube feature to create the digital representation of the three-dimensional object. Findings – This method was found to be a good method for representing three-dimensional objects in a two-dimensional format for inclusion in a digital collection. However, some limitations were encountered. For example, only one interesting feature could be emphasized on each side of the object and the software used to create the digital videos, while easy to use, offered only limited features for enhancing the resulting videos. Practical implications – This paper demonstrates a cost effective and resource efficient method of implementing a digital collection of three-dimensional objects that could be further improved through the use of more advanced video creation software. Originality/value – This paper offers insight into a new way of representing three-dimensional objects in a digital library. This information will be useful to digital librarians faced with resource and cost constraints who have collections of three-dimensional physical objects that would be of interest to their user community. Paper type Case studyKeywords: Digital collections, Three dimensional objects, CONTENTdm, Art collections, Digital libraries, Digital image

Do you hear what I see? Assessing accessibility of Digital Commons and CONTENTdm

This article discusses the accessibility of two content management systems, Berkeley Electronic Press’ Digital Commons and OCLC’s CONTENTdm, widely used in libraries to host institutional repository and digital collections content. Based on observations by a visually-impaired student who used the JAWS screen reader to view the design and display of digital objects in both systems, we provide a general overview of the accessibility of each system. We discuss potential suggestions for accessibility-related improvements, and we offer ideas for library administrators of these systems about how to maximize the back-end configurations for accessibility

Entire Issue Volume 29

Complete issue of Vol. 29 of The Primary Source

Microfilm, Manuscripts, and Photographs: A Case Study Comparing Three Large-Scale Digitization Projects

This article is a case study comparing three large-scale digitization projects at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Libraries: the Culinary Union Workers Local 226 Photographs, the Nevada Digital Newspaper Project, and the Entertainment Project. The authors compare the project management, workflows, and decision-making related to the many aspects of digitizing special collections and archives materials. The projects used both outsourced vendors and in-house labor and equipment to digitize microfilmed newspapers, mixed-materials manuscript collections, and photographic prints and negatives. Roles and responsibilities; grant funding; copyright, privacy, and confidentiality; arrangement; formats; and metadata are all discussed in relation to large-scale digitization

More than just art on the walls: Enhancing Fine Arts Pedagogy in the Academic Library Space

At a medium sized university with a small department of art and no specific art library, art majors and minors can feel that they have no place within the academic library. At Valparaiso University, a collaboration between the university’s Department of Art and library culminated in a Student Art Purchase Award. Faculty from both departments collaborated to create an experiential learning opportunity that includes the application process, production and finishing of fine art pieces on a professional level. This ongoing, annual, experiential learning opportunity culminates in a juried art presentation, and purchasing of art for a permanent art collection within the library. An exploration of the varied responsibilities that come with changing a space and the effects of new art representation within the space of the library will be examined from the student and faculty side. While not considered traditional collaborative space, both groups change the physical environment of the library space favorably

More than just art on the walls: Enhancing Fine Arts Pedagogy in the Academic Library Space

At a medium sized university with a small department of art and no specific art library, art majors and minors can feel that they have no place within the academic library. At Valparaiso University, a collaboration between the university’s Department of Art and library culminated in a Student Art Purchase Award. Faculty from both departments collaborated to create an experiential learning opportunity that includes the application process, production and finishing of fine art pieces on a professional level. This ongoing, annual, experiential learning opportunity culminates in a juried art presentation, and purchasing of art for a permanent art collection within the library. An exploration of the varied responsibilities that come with changing a space and the effects of new art representation within the space of the library will be examined from the student and faculty side. While not considered traditional collaborative space, both groups change the physical environment of the library space favorably

Advancing 3D Digitization for Libraries, Museums, and Archives

Digitizing collections has become a standard practice for libraries, museums, and archives. These collections include flat objects, photographs, negatives, microfilm, audio and video materials. Utilizing established workflows and best practices, these collections are easily accessible through content management systems and shareable through standardized metadata and exchange protocols, exemplified by the success of the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). While the digitization of 2D objects continues, affordable 3D technologies are advancing opportunities for the same institutions to consider including 3D objects in their digital collections. The IUPUI University Library Center for Digital Scholarship is working towards a like basis of standards for scanned 3D artifacts in and incorporating those standards into current digital initiatives

The Civil Rights in Mississippi Digital Archive

Mississippi was a focal point in the struggle for civil rights in America, and Hattiesburg, home of The University of Southern Mississippi, had the largest and most successful Freedom Summer project in 1964. Through the use of digital imaging and other information technologies, The University of Southern Mississippi Libraries is providing a worldwide audience of researchers with a firsthand perspective on the Civil Rights Movement that otherwise would be restricted to local users and only the most dedicated of historical researchers

Exhibiting in an Age of Linked Discovery: Costs and Outcomes of Piloting a New Digital Exhibits Platform

This paper documents a minimal-investment project to migrate legacy exhibits of the State Archives of North Carolina and the State Library of North Carolina into a new exhibiting platform. The Drupal-based platform links with the institutions' existing discovery platform (CONTENTdm) and offers robust means for centrally managing and creating exhibits. Through discussion of this project and the surrounding literature, the paper argues that digital exhibits remain a vital and sustainable tool for libraries and archives, helping institutions to fulfill their role not only as data disseminators, but as active agents of mediation and interpretation. The paper provides specific documentation of tools used in the project, detailed time logs, and project cost assessments.Master of Science in Information Scienc