Scoping projects for digitization and storage of the archives helps to address the challenges and opportunities in making library resources more accessible and shareable while preserving the information for future generations and reducing the environmental impact. Scoping the project helps to identify the necessary funding and resources needed to carry out the digitization process, as well as address practical and environmental considerations. According to ALTA, there are many grant making opportunities for research libraries and archives. Visit these links to build a plan.
Expert support reach out to our Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD – Library Consultant.
FUNDING INITIATIVES
Scoping projects is a common practice for libraries, archives, and cultural heritage institutions to secure funding through grants to support digitization and space planning initiatives. There are various funding sources available, including government agencies, foundations, and private organizations, which can provide financial support. Securing funding for library projects can be a complex and multi-layered process, as it requires covering various costs associated with the process such as equipment, staffing, and preservation. Basically, organizations often seek funding through grants, which are available from various sources.
PROJECT SCOPE
Scoping the project for a library facility plan can be different for government agencies, foundations, and private organizations as they may have different requirements and expectations for the projects they fund. Over the years, we have learned it is important for research organizations to understand the specific needs and requirements of each funding source to ensure a successful application and project outcome. We have a library of information and resources provided by these funding sources that help us link opportunities and support the grant application process. Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD has learned tailor the library or archive project scoping to meet the requirements of the specific funding source. For example, we offer library scenario planning to build a successful outcome.
ARCHIVES / UNIQUE
Archives books give meaning through use, whether it be in exhibitions or research. Library facility planning provides a solution to this problem by making the books more accessible and shareable, while also providing a means to preserve them for future generations and combat climate change. Archival materials processing involves scanning books and storing them online. This results in increases the reach of the collections.
ACCESSIBILITY
We need to make collections them more accessible for research. Basically, this planning process will present challenges, both practical (such as cost, time, and resources) and environmental (such as preservation of the original materials and reduction of physical storage space). It’s important to carefully consider these challenges when scoping a library facility project and to seek funding and support to address them effectively.
LIBRARIES / UNIQUE
Libraries and other cultural heritage institutions often struggle to locate funding to support library facilities projects because collection configurations can be expensive to manage. They require professional library planning resources to scope the project for successs. The costs associated with digitizing can include equipment, staffing, and preservation.
Digitization projects can also be referred to as:
STRATEGIES
Strategies for seeking funding for library facilities projects may include:
Grant writing: Many research institutions seek funding through grants from government agencies, foundations, and private organizations. Preparing and submitting a proposal to a funding organization requires professional support. The library consultant narrative explains the goals and objectives of the collection management project, the resources required, and the expected outcomes.
Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a method of raising funds from a large number of people, usually through the internet. Non profits can use crowdfunding platforms to reach a large audience and solicit donations to support their library space plan and collection management projects.
Partnerships: Partnerships with other organizations, such as universities, corporations, or other cultural heritage institutions, can help to provide additional resources and funding for library space planning projects.
In-kind donations: Organizations can seek in-kind donations of equipment, supplies, and services from corporations, individuals, or other organizations to help offset the costs of digitization.
Library Facilities Fundraising: Organizations can raise funds through special events, such as galas, auctions, or benefit concerts.
