Digitizing the C-SPAN Records
For most, the work of the Special Collections Research Center is the final product: a exhibition with display cases of memorabilia, or a digital exhibit, or a series of finding aids, or perhaps just a write-up in the library's newsletter. Unseen is the preparatory work that goes into producing each of those "final products."
This section highlights the day-to-day work done by SCRC staff as they processed the C-SPAN materials, linking to postings on the SCRC blog between 2017 and 2021.
The C-SPAN Chronicles: Season 2, Part 1
Introduction to Digitization
February 22, 2019
This post summarizes the realities and challenges of archival digitization. Necessary equipment is explained and the significance of gathering appropriate metadata prior to digitization is highlighted.
The C-SPAN Chronicles: Season 2, Part 2
Prepping Records
July 9, 2019
This post focuses on preparation for digitization. It covers the details of physical prep, types of metadata, and specifics about metadata gathered for the C-SPAN materials.
The C-SPAN Chronicles: Season 2, Part 3
Digitization Workflow
November 1, 2019
This post discusses the basic digitization workflow, examining and explaining each step in the process.
The C-SPAN Chronicles: Season 2, Part 4
Post-Processing
June 22, 2020
This post discusses the work being done from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on post-processing. It talks about the necessity of redaction for the C-SPAN Viewer Mail series, metadata standardization, and continuing to move forward on the project, despite the hurdles.
The C-SPAN Chronicles: Season 2, Part 5
Reflections
November 16, 2020
This post discusses the work being done from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on post-processing. It talks about the necessity of redaction for the C-SPAN Viewer Mail series, the meticulousness of metadata standardization, and continuing to move forward on the project, despite the hurdles.
The C-SPAN Chronicles: Season 2, Part 6
Fun Discoveries
February 8, 2021
This post highlights the range of interesting finds uncovered while digitizing the C-SPAN Records collection, including letters and photographs.
The C-SPAN Chronicles: Season 2, Part 7
Why C-SPAN?
May 24, 2021
This final post in the C-SPAN Chronicles reiterates the importance of both digitizing generally and digitizing the C-SPAN Records specifically. It talks about the various uses of digitized material and outlines what value the C-SPAN material offers for research and exploration.