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US Congressional Serial Set - Readex Digitization Project

A partnership between Dartmouth College and the Readex Corporation of Chester, Vermont.

Project Scope

Readex Corporation approached the Dartmouth College Library with an interest in scanning the color illustrations within the U.S. Congressional Serial Set.  The project subsequently grew to include digitizing the complete 13,800+ volumes of the Serial Set from 1789-1980.

Serial Set Team at the Dartmouth College Library

ss team

  • John Cocklin (Government Information Librarian)... Communicates with Readex, provides much needed reference support to identify volumes.
  • Richard Langdell (Project Technician)... Responsible for the day-to-day operations, which include: identifying, organizing, and repairing volumes, and maintaining communications with Readex and multiple Library departments.
  • Barb Sagraves (Head of Preservation) ... Communicates with the Readex Project Manager and oversees all aspects of the project.
  • Matthew Agnoli (Project Technician)... Responsible for the day-to-day operations, which include: identifying, organizing, and repairing volumes, and maintaining communications with Readex and multiple Library departments.
  • Deborah Howe (Head of Conservation)...Oversees conservation treatment of the 13,800+ volumes throughout the process.

Others Involved

This project impacts other areas of the library.

  • At times, 150 volumes a week are requested through the circulation system from other libraries on campus, including many from the Storage Library.
  • Cataloging and Metadata Services provides cataloging support, cleans up the records for separately cataloged titles, and adds serial statements and numbering to reflect each volumes connection to the serial set.

How it works

Advantages to the Library

  • The creation of item records for 13,800 volumes.
  • The cleaning and repair of 13,800 volumes including many spine repairs and repair of thousands of fold out maps.
  • Developed experience with large-scale digitization.

Results of the Project

  • Increased access to the entire Serial Set through the Readex product including enhanced indexing.   
  • Higher visibility and subsequent use of the physical set.
  • The creation of a virtual Serial Set that is complete.  (This is something that doesn't exist in any one library)

Things We Learned

  • Throughout the project, shifts in workflow can vary immensely. Our project fluctuated between ninety percent treatment to ninety percent assembling of the collection.
  • Anticipate needs and be flexible when faced with hurdles.
  • Remember the project goals; this can help when faced with tough questions.
  • Communication is crucial throughout the life of the project. Take nothing for granted.
  • Technology is essential to communication with project members. Our wiki tool was critical.

 

Written by Richard Langdell, April 2009.