About library digitization efforts: Why is it important to digitize library holdings?
The role of archiving and preserving the vast spectrum of written materials is a critical one for university libraries. In a world marked with ever-quickening change, libraries take the long view — century after century. Over time many works become out-of-print, or deteriorate with age, or are threatened by natural disasters or societal upheavals. Digitization enables us to preserve these works for all time. And, as we move to a completely technological and digital environment, materials not available in a digital format will become less and less discoverable and less relevant to scholars, students and the public. Finally, digitization of the world’s printed material will democratize information: anyone, anywhere in the world with access to the Internet can have access to the world’s printed treasures.
