SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 22
Rachel Playforth
Repository Coordinator
9 July 2013
SCOLMA Annual Conference
Unhiding African collections
at the British Library for
Development Studies
Our collection
National resource for development
studies
Largest research collection on
economic and social development
in Europe
Over 200,000 titles, 1 million
physical items
60% published in developing
countries
High proportion of unique holdings
Cataloguing figures
Unhiding 1: retrospective conversion
Pre-1988 government
publications from Southern
countries
23000 online records created
Complete holdings of Anglophone
African government publications
now on OPAC
25% of all card records
Resource-intensive!Illustration by Adam Rex from Chu’s Day by Neil Gaimon
http://www.meanboyfriend.com/overdue_books/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20130508-211850.jpg
Unhiding 2: article indexing
175 journals indexed in OPAC
Mostly published in the South
Detailed subject headings
applied at article level
Abstracts where possible
Unhiding 3: digitisation
Series papers from Southern
research institutes
To be hosted at BLDS in a
digital library
Digitised material also
returned to the original
institute
Rationale: inherent value +
pragmatism
Staffing and workflow
Kept in-house (Project Assistants worked on every stage)
Physical and online cross-checking
Permission seeking (project manager)
Scanning & OCR
Uploading to repository
OPAC record creation
Permissions and licensing
Balance of openness with IP protection
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-
NoDerivatives license chosen
• 14 permissions received, 5 refusals. (And lots of non-
responders and incomplete negotiations...)
Reasons for not getting permission:
1. couldn’t locate contact or couldn’t get a response
2. concerns over loss of revenue
3. publications already digitised or going to be
Ask a librarian!
Populating the Digital Library
First agreement from University of
Nairobi – June 2010
Added over 700 of their publications
from our holdings
Official launch - September 2011
By June 2013 had 13 more
organisations on board
1900+ full-text papers
The BLDS Digital Library
http://blds.ids.ac.uk/digital-library
DSpace open source
software
Searchable and
browsable
Community/
collection structure
OPAC integration
Don’t scan and dump!
Bibliographic record links
to full text and vice versa
Multiplies access points
Continues retrospective
cataloguing work
A virtuous circle
Measuring impact 1: the numbers
Around 3000 downloads per
month
Around 1500 unique site
visitors per month... based in
over 100 different countries
75% come via search engines
An invisible repository is a
successful repository?
Measuring impact 2: demand
From supply to demand
Joining up with enquiry and
document delivery services
‘On demand’ digitisation of
IDS publications
Measuring impact 3:
the international picture
African capacity, African
repositories
National-level in Ethiopia
and Malawi
Next steps
DFID funding for the Global
Open Knowledge Hub
Digital Library continuing to
grow
In-country digitisation
Thank you
http://blds.ids.ac.uk
http://blds.ids.ac.uk/digital-library
r.playforth@ids.ac.uk
@blds_library @archelina
And thanks to Henry Rowsell and Helen Rehin
for their contributions to this paper.

More Related Content

Similar to Unhiding African collections: SCOLMA presentation 2013

Digitization Strategies for Legacy Resources in Africa: Incremental or Collec...
Digitization Strategies for Legacy Resources in Africa: Incremental or Collec...Digitization Strategies for Legacy Resources in Africa: Incremental or Collec...
Digitization Strategies for Legacy Resources in Africa: Incremental or Collec...
Monica Morrison
 
Doctoral open day_digital_research_session_Social_Sciences_BL
Doctoral open day_digital_research_session_Social_Sciences_BLDoctoral open day_digital_research_session_Social_Sciences_BL
Doctoral open day_digital_research_session_Social_Sciences_BL
Aquiles Alencar Brayner
 
Future for rare books
Future for rare booksFuture for rare books
Future for rare books
laura_payne
 

Similar to Unhiding African collections: SCOLMA presentation 2013 (20)

Ensuring Continuity of Access To Our Published Heritage
Ensuring Continuity of Access To Our Published HeritageEnsuring Continuity of Access To Our Published Heritage
Ensuring Continuity of Access To Our Published Heritage
 
Digital Academic Content and the Future of Libraries: International Cooperati...
Digital Academic Content and the Future of Libraries: International Cooperati...Digital Academic Content and the Future of Libraries: International Cooperati...
Digital Academic Content and the Future of Libraries: International Cooperati...
 
Global Networked Digital Environment: How Libraries Shape the Future
Global Networked Digital Environment: How Libraries Shape the FutureGlobal Networked Digital Environment: How Libraries Shape the Future
Global Networked Digital Environment: How Libraries Shape the Future
 
Global Networked Digital Environment: How Libraries Shape the Future.
Global Networked Digital Environment: How Libraries Shape the Future.Global Networked Digital Environment: How Libraries Shape the Future.
Global Networked Digital Environment: How Libraries Shape the Future.
 
OCLC Research Update at ALA Chicago. June 26, 2017.
OCLC Research Update at ALA Chicago. June 26, 2017.OCLC Research Update at ALA Chicago. June 26, 2017.
OCLC Research Update at ALA Chicago. June 26, 2017.
 
Pratt/KCL Summer School 2017
Pratt/KCL Summer School 2017Pratt/KCL Summer School 2017
Pratt/KCL Summer School 2017
 
IFLA ARL Webinar Series: Academic Library Services during Covid 19
IFLA ARL Webinar Series: Academic Library Services during Covid 19IFLA ARL Webinar Series: Academic Library Services during Covid 19
IFLA ARL Webinar Series: Academic Library Services during Covid 19
 
Presentation by Ingrid Parent: Digital Academic Content and the Future of Lib...
Presentation by Ingrid Parent: Digital Academic Content and the Future of Lib...Presentation by Ingrid Parent: Digital Academic Content and the Future of Lib...
Presentation by Ingrid Parent: Digital Academic Content and the Future of Lib...
 
Bl labs roadshow aab_open_university.2016
Bl labs roadshow aab_open_university.2016Bl labs roadshow aab_open_university.2016
Bl labs roadshow aab_open_university.2016
 
BL Labs Roadshow 2016 - Digital Research Team
BL Labs Roadshow 2016 - Digital Research TeamBL Labs Roadshow 2016 - Digital Research Team
BL Labs Roadshow 2016 - Digital Research Team
 
Looking at Libraries, collections & technology
Looking at Libraries, collections & technologyLooking at Libraries, collections & technology
Looking at Libraries, collections & technology
 
Boundless Opportunity
Boundless OpportunityBoundless Opportunity
Boundless Opportunity
 
Bl labs roadshow aab_sheffield.2016
Bl labs roadshow aab_sheffield.2016Bl labs roadshow aab_sheffield.2016
Bl labs roadshow aab_sheffield.2016
 
Digitization Strategies for Legacy Resources in Africa: Incremental or Collec...
Digitization Strategies for Legacy Resources in Africa: Incremental or Collec...Digitization Strategies for Legacy Resources in Africa: Incremental or Collec...
Digitization Strategies for Legacy Resources in Africa: Incremental or Collec...
 
Digital library literature nabi hasan and mukhtiar singh at ICDL-2013
Digital library literature nabi hasan and mukhtiar singh at ICDL-2013Digital library literature nabi hasan and mukhtiar singh at ICDL-2013
Digital library literature nabi hasan and mukhtiar singh at ICDL-2013
 
Doolan - A catalogue revolution and the information literate librarian
Doolan - A catalogue revolution and the information literate librarianDoolan - A catalogue revolution and the information literate librarian
Doolan - A catalogue revolution and the information literate librarian
 
Doctoral open day_digital_research_session_Social_Sciences_BL
Doctoral open day_digital_research_session_Social_Sciences_BLDoctoral open day_digital_research_session_Social_Sciences_BL
Doctoral open day_digital_research_session_Social_Sciences_BL
 
Future for rare books
Future for rare booksFuture for rare books
Future for rare books
 
Connecting people beyond the boundaries with information@ilnu library
Connecting people   beyond the boundaries with information@ilnu libraryConnecting people   beyond the boundaries with information@ilnu library
Connecting people beyond the boundaries with information@ilnu library
 
BL Digital Scholarship
BL Digital Scholarship BL Digital Scholarship
BL Digital Scholarship
 

Recently uploaded

1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
QucHHunhnh
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
QucHHunhnh
 
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
heathfieldcps1
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdfMicro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
Micro-Scholarship, What it is, How can it help me.pdf
 
Accessible Digital Futures project (20/03/2024)
Accessible Digital Futures project (20/03/2024)Accessible Digital Futures project (20/03/2024)
Accessible Digital Futures project (20/03/2024)
 
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptxUnit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
 
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning ExhibitSociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
 
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
 
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
 
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POSHow to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
 
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
 
Food safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdf
Food safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdfFood safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdf
Food safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdf
 
TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...
TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...
TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...
 
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptxGoogle Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
 
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
 
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptxICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
 
This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.
This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.
This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.
 
Spatium Project Simulation student brief
Spatium Project Simulation student briefSpatium Project Simulation student brief
Spatium Project Simulation student brief
 
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
 
2024-NATIONAL-LEARNING-CAMP-AND-OTHER.pptx
2024-NATIONAL-LEARNING-CAMP-AND-OTHER.pptx2024-NATIONAL-LEARNING-CAMP-AND-OTHER.pptx
2024-NATIONAL-LEARNING-CAMP-AND-OTHER.pptx
 
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptxBasic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
 
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
 

Unhiding African collections: SCOLMA presentation 2013

  • 1. Rachel Playforth Repository Coordinator 9 July 2013 SCOLMA Annual Conference Unhiding African collections at the British Library for Development Studies
  • 2. Our collection National resource for development studies Largest research collection on economic and social development in Europe Over 200,000 titles, 1 million physical items 60% published in developing countries High proportion of unique holdings
  • 4. Unhiding 1: retrospective conversion Pre-1988 government publications from Southern countries 23000 online records created Complete holdings of Anglophone African government publications now on OPAC 25% of all card records Resource-intensive!Illustration by Adam Rex from Chu’s Day by Neil Gaimon http://www.meanboyfriend.com/overdue_books/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20130508-211850.jpg
  • 5. Unhiding 2: article indexing 175 journals indexed in OPAC Mostly published in the South Detailed subject headings applied at article level Abstracts where possible
  • 6. Unhiding 3: digitisation Series papers from Southern research institutes To be hosted at BLDS in a digital library Digitised material also returned to the original institute Rationale: inherent value + pragmatism
  • 7. Staffing and workflow Kept in-house (Project Assistants worked on every stage) Physical and online cross-checking Permission seeking (project manager) Scanning & OCR Uploading to repository OPAC record creation
  • 8. Permissions and licensing Balance of openness with IP protection Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial- NoDerivatives license chosen • 14 permissions received, 5 refusals. (And lots of non- responders and incomplete negotiations...) Reasons for not getting permission: 1. couldn’t locate contact or couldn’t get a response 2. concerns over loss of revenue 3. publications already digitised or going to be Ask a librarian!
  • 9. Populating the Digital Library First agreement from University of Nairobi – June 2010 Added over 700 of their publications from our holdings Official launch - September 2011 By June 2013 had 13 more organisations on board 1900+ full-text papers
  • 10.
  • 11.
  • 12.
  • 13.
  • 14. The BLDS Digital Library http://blds.ids.ac.uk/digital-library DSpace open source software Searchable and browsable Community/ collection structure
  • 15.
  • 16. OPAC integration Don’t scan and dump! Bibliographic record links to full text and vice versa Multiplies access points Continues retrospective cataloguing work
  • 18. Measuring impact 1: the numbers Around 3000 downloads per month Around 1500 unique site visitors per month... based in over 100 different countries 75% come via search engines An invisible repository is a successful repository?
  • 19. Measuring impact 2: demand From supply to demand Joining up with enquiry and document delivery services ‘On demand’ digitisation of IDS publications
  • 20. Measuring impact 3: the international picture African capacity, African repositories National-level in Ethiopia and Malawi
  • 21. Next steps DFID funding for the Global Open Knowledge Hub Digital Library continuing to grow In-country digitisation
  • 22. Thank you http://blds.ids.ac.uk http://blds.ids.ac.uk/digital-library r.playforth@ids.ac.uk @blds_library @archelina And thanks to Henry Rowsell and Helen Rehin for their contributions to this paper.