Getting Started with Archival Digitization
NEW! 6-part workshop series
Dates: select Fridays, November 6 – December 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 AM (EST)
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration limited to 12 participants
Course Overview
Do you have archival materials to digitize? Scanned files sitting unused in storage, and you’re not quite sure what they even are anymore? Digitizing archival materials is much more than scanning, but the other steps often go unnoticed or get overlooked.
This virtual workshop series focuses on the essential steps of digitizing archival materials, from selection to storing finalized files. Each week will address one specific part of the process and be accompanied by hands-on exercises to build skills towards tackling real problems. While this workshop will focus on the basics to allow participants to “do” digitization, additional resources will be provided for those wanting to take a deeper dive on their own, including cultural heritage imaging best practices and theory that the course is rooted in.
Course Format
This series will take place online over six sessions (about six weeks) in November and December (see complete dates below) in a flipped classroom style. Each week will consist of two parts:
- Pre-workshop materials (~20-30 min/wk): self-paced, released one week ahead of time to provide background information and context
- Live workshop (90 min/wk): hands-on practice alongside peers to apply the skills of the week
Instructor
Katelyn Legacy-Roulston – Special Collections Consultant, Northern New York Library Network
Tech Requirements
Participants will need access to:
- A computer with a microphone, camera, and internet connection
- The ability to manage multiple web tabs/applications at the same time (particularly for live class)
- The ability to download software (as needed)
Commitment
Registration is for the full six-part course. Space is limited to 12 spots (a waitlist is available). Attendance and participation are strongly encouraged to make the most of this hands-on learning experience.
Live Session Schedule | Fall 2026
Live Workshops will take place on Fridays on Zoom, 9-10:30 AM(EST)
- November 6th: Select – How do you choose what to digitize
- November 13th: Capture – What equipment & settings should be considered for image capture?
- November 20th: Process – How do you clean up files for use after image capture?
- November 27th: NO CLASS (Thanksgiving Week)
- December 4th: Evaluate – What can go wrong, and how can you check your work?
- December 11th: Inventory – How do you know what you have?
- December 18th: Store & Access – Where could/should you put your files?
*Please note: Registration/the waitlist closes Thursday, October 29th.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Katelyn at katelyn@nnyln.org.