Abstract
This case study describes the process L. Tom Perry Special Collections used to create and promote a digital collection of ephemera on Internet Archive. It follows the process from selection to uploading, discusses how decisions related to digitization were made, and how the collection was promoted following digitization. This paper establishes the value of digitizing ephemera related to topics known to be of interest to patrons and demonstrates one approach to special collections outreach. Data gathered during the creation of this case study demonstrates that even small efforts to promote digital collections can significantly improve usage of niche ephemera collections and improve relationships between institutions and researchers.
Author Biography
Gregory Seppi is the curator of 19th and 20th Century Mormon & Western Printed Americana at L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. Prior to 2015, he was employed by the Church History Department, Salt Lake City, Utah. His interests include Mormon Studies, rare book librarianship, promotion and outreach, and the history of medicine.
Recommended Citation
Seppi, Gregory K.
(2018)
"Reflections on Digitization, Outreach, and the Value of Ephemera in Special Collections: A Case Study,"
Journal of Western Archives: Vol. 9:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/632f-a075
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/westernarchives/vol9/iss1/1
