The greatest asset of any academic library’s collection is its special collections and archives. Unfortunately, these distinctive materials are often hidden in vaults and are only available for in-person access.
As the coronavirus crisis developed, libraries eliminated or limited access to print collections due to concerns of virus spread.
Unlike print materials, libraries have seen the use of electronic resources skyrocket. Over the next few years, libraries will spend more time, money and resources developing electronic collections.
Mass digitization technologies, including robotics, will help enable this conversion and provide a cost-effective solution to access print collections remotely.
Librarians and archivists have been challenged to provide research materials online during the COVID-19 closure. Digitization efforts need to be expanded from being a method of preservation or preview, to being the primary access point for the collection.
Libraries are perfectly positioned to assist in the development of online courses and digital research materials. They already provide students with instruction, technologies and spaces that support digital literacy. Using technology to create and communicate has been at the forefront of a library’s mandate for years.
With the closure of labs and travel restrictions, Libraries can assist researchers by developing online environments and content for faculty members to collaborate from a distance.
With the possibility that patrons will not visit the library as much as they used to, Libraries need to bring the content and services to them. Digitization will be one of the key vehicles to make this happen.
Ristech has many robotic scanners to help Libraries achieve their digitization goals. Call us today to see which solution works best for you.
