Reformatting Operations at the New York State Library

Abstract

Reformatting of library materials is useful in preserving the content and providing greater accessibility to library and archival materials. Prior to beginning a reformatting project, a number of questions need to be asked and answered in relation to the material being considered and the available resources. Who will select the materials to be reformatted and what criteria will be used to make that decision? What format is best suited for the purpose of the material and for the end user? Should it be Microfilm? Photocopy? Scanned image? Possibly a hybrid approach? Who gets involved in the reformatting operation? The content selectors? The preservation staff? The catalogers? The support staff? Administrators? Outside vendors? And possibly the end user? Who will gather, review and prepare the materials? Where will the actual imaging, be it microfilming, photocopying or digitizing be done? What standards will be followed or are there only best practices for the chosen format? Is the library equipped for the job or is it best to send it out to a vendor? Who will do the quality control and how will it be reviewed? How much time can be committed to the reformatting effort? And, one more question, Who pays?