The University of Delaware (UD) Library, Museums & Press has created online collections that represent some of the material it holds in its circulating collection, Special Collections, and Museums. Special Collections digital materials can also be accessed through finding aids and online exhibitions.
Where to Find Digital Collections
UDSpace
UD’s institutional repository:
- Contains text based, audio, and video collections such as digitized books, letters, manuscripts, yearbooks, newspapers, oral histories and government material.
Artstor
UD’s public collections:
- Contains open-access visual materials such as photographs, postcards, and maps. Scroll down to “UD Library” to see collections that are available without a login.
- Digitized Museums content and other institutional collections require UD login.
Delaware Digital Newspaper Project (DDNP)
Open access historic Delaware newspapers:
- Access to these newspapers is provided through the Chronicling America database which also provides access to over 16 million full-text searchable newspapers from states across the United States, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.
Finding Aids
Special Collections with digital content can also be accessed directly via Finding Aids.
Online Special Collections and Museums Exhibitions
Propose a Digitization Project
The UD Library’s Digital Collections Steering Group (DCSG) accepts proposals for faculty, staff, students, or the community to submit for consideration through this online form.
Digitization Requirements and Rationale
Successful digitization project proposals must meet all of the following requirements and one or more of the additional criteria below.
Digitization Requirements
The proposed project:
- comprises material that is available and catalogued/processed in UD Library, Museums and Press collections,
- does not violate copyright or licensing agreements,
- conforms to the University’s Personal Non-Public Information (PNPI) Policy,
- will not damage fragile materials that are rare or unique,
- may be completed by existing staff using available equipment, unless funding for additional resources is provided.
Digitization Criteria
The proposed project:
- supports research and/or instruction (e.g., requested by faculty member),
- supplies material for upcoming exhibitions or other events,
- has been requested by the collection donor or has received grant funding,
- serves a local or national collaboration or partnership (e.g., PACSCL),
- meets a demonstrated user demand,
- represents and enhances existing collection strengths,
- appeals to local interest in Delaware and the surrounding region,
- preserves material that is rare, unique, or not yet available via open repositories (e.g. HathiTrust, Internet Archive, or research institutions).