Saving our serials Project CERES Tier II Univ of Florida/Univ of the Virgin Islands Judith V. Rogers Director of Libraries Information & Technology Services, UVI 26 April 2016 – USAIN Conference

What, Why, Challenges, Results, Lessons Learned Saving our serials What, Why, Challenges, Results, Lessons Learned

What – the statement of work Assist UF in developing a series-level bibliography, according to Tier 2 guidelines Tier 2 sub-award of $8,625 – digitization/preservation project Comprehensive bibliography Digitization of land grant resources published/produced from 1962-1988 Metadata creation and enhancement – resources previously digitized Acquired new equipment Employed student worker

Why – threats and opportunities Agricultural resources held in disparate collections Libraries, Research and Public Services component (CES/AES, Water Resources, Eastern Caribbean Center, VI Ecological Research Station) Threat from hurricanes, humidity, pests, lack of security Sharing technical expertise of larger institution Benefits/experiences for the users – researcher from DC, experience of emeritus faculty Availability of dLOC as a platform for access and organization

Operational Challenges Personnel issues Staff turnover early in the project , and at the end – (managing transition) Working across islands (collaboration from three locations) Directing student worker Catalog review vs. what’s on the shelf Condition of resources outside University Libraries

Results - Outputs 100 new titles digitized; enhanced metadata for 70 titles Water resources – VI water law, water quality of cistern water, conference on rain water cistern systems Sample serials – COVICRIER, Agrifest, Gardeners Factsheet New equipment for ongoing projects Increased visibility of disparate resources Contribution to comprehensive bibliography

Lessons Learned Opportunity to engage in assessing collection Increased conversation and awareness of opportunities for digitization – among library staff at all levels Increased networking between institutions Opening conversations with UF for future storage options

Resources