collections: library digitization projects -- preserving the history and culture of Afghanistan | preserving the texts: our process.
Preserving the History and Culture of Afghanistan
The required investment for digital image conversion is tremendous --
possibly dollars for each and every page or frame converted. Digital imaging
technologies require tremendous capital investment for underlying support systems
in an environment of flat or marginally increasing budgets. Digital image
conversion, in an operational environment, requires a deep and longstanding
institutional commitment to traditional preservation, the full integration of the
technology into information management procedures and processes, and significant
leadership in developing appropriate definitions and standards for digital
preservation.
Digitization initiatives reflect the University Library's overarching mission
to collect, preserve, interpret and provide access to information resources in support of instruction,
research, and creative activity. As such, the Library and its staff are committed to ensuring
digitized collections receive the same level of attention, care and management as print collections.
Specialized equipment allows for non-destructive reproduction of fragile texts and sophisticated software
tools, some developed in house at the University Library, insure long-term preservation and access to
digitized texts.
