Digital Collections Programme: A structured approach to mass digitisation

Presentation given by Laurence Livermore at the SPNHC symposium: Specimens Full Circle: Collection to Digitization to Data Use. 21 May 2015.

Abstract:

Undertaking mass digitization within large collections institutions requires more than imaging and data basing. It often spans far wider than the physical process itself including but not limited to: agreeing and documenting standards for data and image capture; the preparation of specimens and organization of the collection; and the modification of collection management systems. Each challenge requires significant organizational and cultural change that must be addressed in a cohesive, structured way.

In 2014, the Natural History Museum (NHM) London launched its Digital Collections Programme (DCP) with the aim of digitizing a quarter (20 million) of its collection within five years. The Museum holds a total of over 80 million objects varying in size, scale and discipline, so establishing a coordinated approach to its digital agenda has been paramount.

This talk will outline how DCP has used formal project and program management methodology to both lay the foundations for mass digitization and prepare for transformation change within its people, processes and systems. We will explore the techniques used to aid project planning, track complex dependencies and prioritize collections at an institutional level. Finally we will show how a benefits-led approach to mass digitization can maximize the products of digitization by defining clear curatorial and research use-cases.