Explore unique highlights from UBC’s Open Collections, as well as insights into the work of the Digitization Centre. From announcements of new projects and collections to behind-the-scenes looks at our digitization process, we share the stories and hidden gems that inspire us in our efforts to preserve and make accessible diverse materials.
Behind the Scenes: Digitizing the RCMP
Posted on Jan 14, 2016 by Alexandra Kuskowski
Here at DI we occasionally get special orders for digitization. Every once and a while the orders are for pretty exciting stuff. Recently we got an order to digitize an illustrated poster from the 1970’s about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Canada currently stored in the vaults of Rare Books and Special Collections […]
Stanley Park Pictures
Posted on Jan 07, 2016 by Alexandra Kuskowski
One of the best things about Open Collections is the amazing amount of images and items focused on the local area. It’s easy to look back in time. Our Now & Then blog for example is a fun way to see how the UBC campus has changed. We’re turning our time machine to another beloved […]
Now & Then
Posted on Dec 29, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
As the end of one year approaches and the beginning of a new year sneaks up it’s always good to take a moment (or 5) to reflect. The Digitization Centre and UBC have seen a lot of changes, this year and over time. Our new portal Open Collections premiered this year and UBC turned 100. […]
Happy Holidays
Posted on Dec 22, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
Happy Holidays everyone! Hope you are all enjoying the holiday break. We compiled a few items for your to peruse from our collections that run in the holiday spirit. Click on any image to see it closer or download it. Hope you enjoy!
How We Digitize: Vintage Vancouver and a Video
Posted on Dec 15, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
We’ve got a special treat for the blog today! An advance peek at new digitizations: This hand tinted shot of Vancouver taken between 1925 and 1933 is from some of the Uno Langmann Collection items awaiting digitization. It is a panorama taken from the Boundary Road and Trinity Street area showing much of Vancouver proper as […]
Sneak Peak: 3D Digitization
Posted on Dec 08, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
This week we are going give you a sneak preview of one of the coolest new machines coming soon to the Digital Initiatives, and even better a new collection we are partnering with Woodward Library! The machine sounds about as futuristic as it gets—a 3D imager. But not to worry, it is far from HAL […]
Flickr Uploads Updates!
Posted on Dec 04, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
We’ve uploaded a few new collection albums to our Flickr account! All of our Flickr account albums are curated to between 25 and 50 images that represent the collections. Check out all of our albums. The newest collection is 50 curated bookplates from our RBSC bookplates collection. Here are a few of the images up […]
Explore Open Collections: B.C. Books
Posted on Nov 27, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
It’s time again for another “Exploring Open Collections” installment! This week we’re taking a look at one of our biggest collections (and one that’s featured) B.C. Historical Books. Previous to the Open Collections launch B.C. Historical Books was known as B.C. Bibliography and was a standalone site associated with Digital Initiatives – now it’s been […]
Explore Open Collections: B.C. Historical Newspapers
Posted on Nov 20, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
B.C. Historical Newspapers collection is a priceless resource for anyone interested in the history of British Columbia. In fact it is one of our most well used, well-loved collections!The [current] selection of 94 papers [and growing!] and 30,000 items reflects the social and culture life of the communities they were published in, making them […]
100+ Years of the Unluckiest Day
Posted on Nov 13, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
Check the date of this post Friday November 13. A special day for Triskaidekaphobes, people who fear the number 13. Traditionally, in the Western world any Friday the 13th is considered unlucky. Are you freaked out? If you are, you’re not alone. Recorded fears start as early as the 19th century, but some say the practice may […]
