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.
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 […]
Explore Open Collections: CiTR Audiotapes
Posted on Nov 06, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
In a collaborative effort between the UBC Library Digitization Centre and CiTR 101.9 FM, the Student Radio Society of the University of British Columbia, over 300 digitized audio files of CiTR vault content are now available from Open Collections to listen or download in the CiTR Audiotapes Collection. The CiTR Audiotapes collection offers a wealth of […]
Exploring Open Collections: What Can You Find?
Posted on Oct 28, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
With over 138,535 unique digital objects on Open Collections (and mores showing up every day!) you might be overwhelmed, especially with all whiz-bang visualizations and featured collections. In our “Exploring Open Collections” series we’ll pick an aspect of the portal to explore and share with you guys! With so many objects how do I find […]
Introducing Open Collections
Posted on Oct 21, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
Ancient Egyptian scrolls, sixteenth century explorer’s maps, misty photographs of the British Columbia pioneer towns, and audio recordings of your favorite local bands—these are just some of the resources we offer digitally. Now, with a new digital portal called Open Collections, you will be able to access our materials in a whole new way. Open […]
How We Digitize: An Open Book with the ATIZ
Posted on Oct 15, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
We’re written about a few of our digitization techniques from the context scanner to flatbed scanning, but now it’s time to get into the hard stuff- that’s right I’m talking about the fancy book scanners. These book scanners, known as ATIZ (pronounced A-tease) workstations, are used from imaging rare books –ones we can’t chop into […]
Family, Friends & Festivities! (and Photos)
Posted on Oct 09, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
Thanksgiving is a time for fun, food and friends! To celebrate this festive weekend we’ve gathered together some of our favorite f(ph)otos of families from our digital collection. Want to see more? Type in “family” in on our digital collections page! Refine your search to find only images or search within specific collections. To enlarge the image […]
Our Impact Report for 2014-2015
Posted on Oct 02, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
We’ve got an exciting announcement! You can now check out our 2014-2015 Impact Report. To download it click here. It’s a short 2 pager, packed with tons of cool information, and pictures! Learn about the new projects we’ve added over the year, get some juicy quotes from our collaborators, and find out whats coming up. […]
UBC Centennial- Where Did it All Begin?
Posted on Oct 01, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
UBC had a centennial birthday yesterday! On September 30th 1915 the University of British Columbia held the first lectures for the newly formed University. To celebrate this momentus occasion we’re taking a look back here on the blog at DI. Memories abound all over the campus and beyond. Check out some of the amusing, amazing, […]
UBC Okanagan + DI = Gold Mine of Information
Posted on Sep 24, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
UBC Okanagan + DI = Gold Mine of Information Digital Initiatives is at it again with UBC Okanagan Library, to provide you with new historical resources from the resource industry! Employees at DI helped to consult and work collaboratively with Arielle Lomness, Collections Librarian at UBC Okanagan and Dual MAS/MLIS candidate Paige Hohmann, in digitizing […]
Mapping it Out: How We Digitize with the TTI
Posted on Sep 18, 2015 by Alexandra Kuskowski
How do you image the REALLY big items? Or the items that won’t fit in a normal scanner? The largest (and most exciting!) image-processing machine we have here at DI is definitely the TTI. The TTI is used to scan large, fragile, or otherwise oddly shaped items. You may have caught glimpses of it here. […]
