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Process for Review of Digitization Procedures
EPA is conducting an analysis and review of its library document digitization procedures. This review process has several facets and includes input from internal and external stakeholders.
Consultant Analysis and Peer Review
EPA engaged a consultant to conduct a review of its current library document digitization process. The steps in the process review include:
- Developing a whitepaper on Digitization Current Practices. The analysis is based on market research in comparable institutions in the federal, non-federal public, and private sectors. The paper analyzes techniques, costs, and quality of work for digitization of hardcopy library materials.
The Overview of Current Digitization Practices (PDF) (21 pp, 142K, About PDF) was completed in 2007.
- Analyzing EPA's existing digitization process. The analysis considers cost, production, and quality metrics.
In addition to the review of the digitization process (see link below), a Target User Accessibility Review (PDF) (8 pp, 78K, About PDF) was conducted with a group of representative users of EPA’s NSCEP/NEPIS – EPA’s Gateway to Free & Digital Paper Publications. The review includes a description of identified search and navigational issues with suggestions to improve the efficiency and user response to this important EPA information dissemination resource.
- Documenting a comparison of current practices in comparable institutions with EPA’s digitization process. EPA’s consultant provided recommendations for improvement based on the practices identified in the whitepaper.
The Digitization Assessment (PDF) (18 pp, 203K, About PDF) was completed in March 2008. The whitepaper compares the EPA plans to digitize library documents against practices identified through market research; identifies standards that should be followed; and recommends improvement actions.
- Reviewing by third-party experts. EPA will have the whitepaper and report reviewed independently by third-party experts at the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) and in academia.
The Overview of Current Digitization Practices (PDF) (21 pp, 142K, About PDF) was reviewed by an independent third-party who is a recognized digitization expert and librarian. Her comments were incorporated into the document, as well as the comments from the NTIS review that were specific to the report.
- Revising EPA Digitization Procedures and sharing the draft for review with stakeholders.
EPA is reviewing the results of the consultant reports and will convene a panel of EPA National Library Network stakeholders for their input on identifying implementation priorities.
Based on the results of the review and stakeholder input, EPA will revise its plans for digitizing hardcopy of EPA-unique library materials.