WEST Internet Archive Pilot
Introduction
In this pilot, WEST will test the feasibility and benefit of coordinating the donation of extra copies of WEST archived serials titles to the Internet Archive for digitization and ongoing access via RapidILL. The pilot will capitalize on analytics tools that WEST libraries have invested in and the power of the WEST network of libraries.
The collection scope of the pilot is print content already retained in WEST that is not yet available in a trusted digital repository. Print content available in trusted digital repositories may be included as well for the sake of expanding options for access through RapidILL.
Benefits
To WEST and its member libraries:
- Additional or new digital copies with access via ILL and print disabled access requests
- Positive communication framing for local deselection projects
To Internet Archive:
- Expansion of their digital serial and journal collection
- Library expertise and feedback on processes and workflows
To the broader library community:
- Additional or new digital copies with access via ILL and print disabled access requests
- Testing new workflows that other organizations could adopt or adapt
Current Work and Future Milestones
| Dates | Milestones |
|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Participating institutions are currently reviewing lists of proposed titles and beginning discussions to determine the timeline for key milestones of the pilot and finalize preliminary procedures. |
| Winter 2024 | TBD |
Participating Institutions and Partners
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Internet Archive | Partner |
| University of Arizona | WEST Member |
| University of California Berkeley | WEST Member |
| University of California Riverside | WEST Member |
| University of Colorado Boulder | WEST Member |
| University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus | WEST Member |
| University of Wyoming | WEST Member |
History
In 2020, the WEST Executive Committee charged the Non-journal Formats (NjF) Working Group to explore areas of expansion for WEST.
The Working Group delivered its report including a set of five recommended pilot proposals that cover potential areas of expansion, from international government documents, to prospective shared print, to digitization. WEST’s Executive Committee accepted the Working Group’s report and recommendations, which included prioritizing the near-term implementation of a pilot to coordinate donation of duplicate copies of WEST archived titles to the Internet Archive to expand digitization and access via RapidILL for print serials. This pilot is particularly advantageous for WEST because of the low barrier entry point it represents to begin to connect print and digital preservation. The pilot allows WEST to contribute its expertise and tools for comparative analysis and holdings identification, while libraries can contribute content as part of their own locally-driven journal review projects, with the Internet Archive supporting the digitization activities in which this organization already specializes, and which WEST and its libraries have generally a low level of readiness to spin up themselves.
At the end of 2023, the WEST Operations and Collections Council charged the Internet Archive Pilot Implementation Task Force to create the foundation of workflows and documentation to support participant libraries. Mid 2024 the Task Force concluded their work and in September 2024, the Pilot officially launched!
Timeline
- 2020 – WEST Executive Committee charged the Non-journal Formats (NjF) Working Group
- July 2022 – NjF delivered its report which included the suggestion to prioritize the near-term implementation of a pilot to coordinate donation of duplicate copies of WEST archived titles to the Internet Archive to expand digitization and access via RapidILL for print serials
- End of 2023 – WEST Operations and Collections Council charged the Internet Archive Pilot Implementation Task Force
- July 2024 – The Internet Archive Pilot Implementation Task Force concluded their work which included the WEST Internet Archive Pilot Scope of Work
- July 2024 – The WEST Project Team met with several interested institutions to discuss participation in the pilot
- August/September 2024 – Participating institutions confirmed their interest and the pilot launched