State Librarian Susan Hildreth announced January 19, 2007 the opening of the application cycle for the 2007/08 Local History Digital Resources Program.
Libraries in California collect a wide range of materials concerning the local history of their communities. Many of these items are historic photographs that illustrate the diverse nature of their citizenry and record many of the tremendous changes that have taken place in their community. The program seeks to address the need for more libraries to be conversant with the process of digitization of historical materials and at the same time creates additional resources that will be available statewide.
The program follows a "solution in a box" structure for libraries. The package includes training, image processing services, metadata creation tools, preservation services, customizable Web pages and a small grant award for collection development and other purchases related to the program. Participants will be expected to partner with the University of California's California Digital Library (CDL) (http://www.cdlib.org/) for preservation and access services to digital object collections and associated descriptions created through LSTA funding. Attendance at certain training events will be mandatory. Local community involvement in project development and implementation will be expected.
Information and application forms for the 2007/08 Local History Digital Resources Program are available on the California State Library web site at: http://www.library.ca.gov/html/lsta_app_07_08.cfm.
The deadline for applications is March 19, 2007.
For more information please contact Ira Bray, Library Programs Consultant, California State Library, at (916) 653-0171 or by email at ibray@library.ca.gov.