Are you passionate about expanding digital access and preserving historical treasures? Join us for an inspiring session, “Enhancing Digital Access and Rights through Collaboration: Digitizing IN the Stacks at Vancouver Public Library,” and discover how libraries are shaping the future of digital rights and access.
Last year, Vancouver Public Library (VPL) and Internet Archive Canada (IAC) embarked on a partnership to digitize rare and historical books from VPL’s non-circulating collection. With the installation of a Scribe machine—a state-of-the-art digitization tool—on the 3rd floor of VPL’s central branch, this initiative has transformed the way library patrons and researchers engage with unique materials. By making rare texts focused on British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest accessible online, the project bridges the gap between physical archives and the digital world.
But this effort goes beyond mere digitization—it’s a step in advocating for the digital rights of libraries and ensuring equitable access to information in the digital age. This session will provide an in-depth look at how the project came to life, from securing Board approval to navigating complex access rights.
You’ll gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of digitizing collections within a library setting, as well as how collaboration between public institutions and organizations like Internet Archive Canada can amplify impact.
Let’s Shape the Future Together
This session isn’t just about what Vancouver Public Library and Internet Archive Canada have achieved—it’s about what your library can do too. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance an existing project, this is your chance to learn from experts and connect with peers who share your commitment to digital access and preservation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation! Mark your calendar for Friday, January 31st at 9:15 AM, and join us at the Ontario Library Superconference.
Let’s digitize the future, together.