February 2007 Archives

NEW! The UNLV Libraries Showgirls Collection is now available at www.library.unlv.edu/showgirls/

The Showgirls collection documents the unique history of the Las Vegas entertainment industry. Many artists and entrepreneurs were influential in the birth of a Las Vegas icon: the showgirl. Showgirls features unique materials relating to costume design and theatrical productions associated with the history of Las Vegas entertainment.

The collection features costume design sketches, photographic prints, and illustrations featuring various productions and the theatrical artists who created them: including producers, dancers, and choreographers. There are 211 items selected from seven collections: the Donn Arden Collection, the Las Vegas Show Costumes Design Collection, the Las Vegas News Bureau Collection, the Jean Devlyn Design Scrapbook, the Harold Minsky Collection, the Sands Hotel Collection, and the José Luis Viñas Collection. All collections are housed at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the Special Collections at the University Libraries.

Acknowledgements

Collection Development: Peter Michel, Director of Special Collections
Metadata Consultant: Kathy Rankin, Special Collections Cataloger

Project Team:
Cory Lampert, Digitization Projects Librarian
Annie Sattler, Digitization Technician/Indexer
Linda Ittenbach, Graphics/Multimedia Designer
John Fox, Information Systems Specialist
Kee Choi, Web Technical Support Manager
Michael Yunkin, Web Content/Metadata Manager
Hong Zhang, Application Developer

From the Digitization Policy Task Force of ALA's Office for Information Technology Policy come the Draft Principles for Digitized Content. The Digitization Principles Blog states in the introduction:

The accelerating mass digitization of collections in libraries and cultural heritage institutions demands a framework of principles and a body of policy to guide decision making and to enable values-driven choices. The principles for the digitization of content will provoke a review of American Library Association policies that address the creation, access, use and preservation of digital materials and that require revision, enhancement and creation.

The principles start off with the clear mandate that traditional library values apply to digital libraries. It continues with principles addressing the need for communication, collaboration, standards, and sustainability. There is also a principle highlighting the international and global reach of digital libraries.

Principle 1

Digital libraries ARE libraries. The policies of the Association apply fully to digital libraries including the core values such as commitment to access, confidentiality/privacy, the public good, and professionalism.

Principle 6

Digital collections increasingly address an international audience. These collections are part of a global information infrastructure that is not limited by geography.

Principle 7

Digital collections are developed and sustained by an educated workforce. Members of the cultural heritage professions must engage in continuous learning and be able to explore new technology, to work with new partners, and to reach new audiences.

It is exciting to see ALA put forth a document for community discussion and revision. Provided is an online area for comments and participation. These discussions are integral to the development of individual digitization programs and for the development of broader library and information policy.