“Thank you, once again, for assisting humble far flung independent researchers like me under all this duress. It is notable, and appreciated!”
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Date
2022-05-02
Authors
Goss, Lauren
Munsell, Austin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
University of Oregon Libraries Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA)
provided over 61,000 free scanned images to researchers from around the world
during the first phase of the pandemic (March 2020 - August 2021). During this
time, a campus lockdown blocked all researchers from accessing any non-digitized
SCUA materials. Recognizing the impact of a closed reading room on accessibility to
primary sources, public services and collection management staff quickly pivoted
from in person services to remote access via an ad hoc scanning service. The Public
Services Librarian worked with researchers to refine their inquiries and identify
portions of collections (up to 5 folders) integral to their research. The Collections
Manager managed retrieval of identified materials from secured storage and
remotely supported student workers in accessing SCUA during lockdown. Effectively,
we offered free scans in lieu of an abridged research visit.
To implement this service, undergraduate student workers (normally in public facing
roles) were reassigned to perform digital capture on idle KIC Bookeye scanners
transferred from the main library. Student workers were trained remotely on image
capture and upload of PDF files to the department server. Microsoft Teams served as
the platform for remote communication and assignment of scanning tasks. All PDF
files (200dpi) were sent to researchers using WeTransfer. The service averaged an
11-day turnaround time even with a small staff of part-time student workers,
staggered onsite work schedules, and quarantine protocols for all materials.
Researchers were appreciative and grateful for access to materials vital to their
research interests. Access to these primary sources meant they could proceed with
writing articles, dissertations, and books regardless of geographical constraints. The
end of the program coincided with the reopening of the library to the general public
and the return of the scanners to use in public areas. Staffing and budgetary
constraints prevent SCUA from continuing a similar scanning service in conjunction
with the reopened reading room. However, it serves as a more equitable model of
future access to primary source materials for all researchers regardless of ability to
travel for an in-person research visit.
Description
Keywords
digitization, pandemic