On a hot day in Portland at Lewis and Clark College.

Back Row: Terry Reese, Michael Paulus, Jeremy Skinner, Al
Cornish, Jeremy McWilliams, Kyle Banerjee, and Karen Estlund
Front Row: Jeff Malcomson, Fynnette Eaton, Jodi Allison-Bunnell, and Janet Hauck

The Orbis Cascade Alliance (the Alliance) and the Northwest Digital Archives (NWDA) initiated a digital planning process in 2007. If you aren’t aware, the Alliance and NWDA have a shared mission to facilitate the discovery and delivery of digital material, particularly of unique local collections. A Digital Program Working Group (DPWG) was established in late 2007 and promptly began planning for a digital services program at the Alliance.

After collecting data from member institutions about digital initiatives and needs, the DPWG applied for a Collaborative Planning Grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in February 2008. Fully funded, the one-year grant began in December 2008. I was lucky enough to work with an amazing group of people on the Advisory Committee (pictured above.)

According to Jodi Allison-Bunnell, Program Manager for the NWDA, “the planning grant has helped to find solutions for common and significant challenges that impede the development of sustainable digital programs at the Alliance and its member institutions. The report, (available now), presents findings and recommendation for the initial elements of a digital services program at the Alliance. The program will help address member institutions’ greatest needs and enable them to move from digital projects to digital programs.”

The Digital Program Working Group’s report with recommendations is now available. A cross-search prototype is also available. Both have received favorable member feedback.

The Alliance’s governing council will review the recommendations at its September meeting and approve further work on this strategic agenda item. Visit the the Alliance’s strategic agenda, here.

Lewis and Clark College Aubrey R. Watzek Library