Planning a Digitization Project

Digitization Overview

Digitization can be performed by scanning records in paper form, or by capturing analogue material with a digital camera and by digitizing media, such as audio or video, using an analogue to digital converter. 

By implementing and following sound practice procedures, we are able to: 

  • Ensure that the digital files we create are of a high quality and meet national standards
  • Maintain the integrity and longevity of the digital files
  • Ensure the digital objects in the collection are discoverable and shareable
  • Save time and costs by avoiding duplication of work

Project Planning

This is a practical planning guide for estimating the tasks, resources, logistics and budget of an audio or video digitization project.

Project planning should take a number of elements into consideration. The purpose or goal of the final collection should inform any decisions made during the planning phase. Questions about the purpose of digitized materials, such as short term use (access) or long term use (preservation), will be investigated and ultimately impact the scope of a project. 

Digitization Best Practices and Guides 

Digitization is informed by best practice acquired through experience on projects. Below is a list of best practices and institutional guides for digitization projects. There are comprehensive guides that encompass multiple formats as well as format specific guides for audio and images. 

Inventory (new)

Inventory is a key part of project planning. The following is a guide to conducting an inventory along with templates for inventory form, templates for inventory spreadsheet with samples.

Digitization Equipment Budgeting Guide (new)

This guide is intended to help create budgets for digitization projects without having to identify the exact equipment that will be purchased. It can take a significant amount of time to research available equipment. Use the following information to create a general budget for funding proposals or applications.