Policies and Guidelines

Digitisation is defined as being the conversion of analogue items (such as hardcopy or paper, video and audio tapes) into digital format for the purpose of extending access and, where appropriate, to assist with preservation.

This policy applies to digitisation of all collections and material managed and controlled by the Library. It covers all materials originally produced in non-digital form (e.g. printed matter of all kinds, manuscripts, photographs, drawings, paintings, sound and film recordings, microforms), and born-digital material. Digitisation would fulfil one or more of the aims listed in the triple helix above.

The materials may be:

• Owned by the Library.
• Deposited with the Library.
• Owned by a collaborative partner of the Library.
• Owned by a commercial partner of the Library.

Download full policy.

The Wits Digitisation Centre Guidelines for Digitisation were developed for the use of all library digitisation projects. These guidelines are designed to provide a set of minimum specifications for preservation-quality digitisation of printed text, manuscripts, photographs, slides, rare books, sheet music, graphic arts, and maps.

Guidelines for audio and video are not included. They provide a baseline for creating digital images that are of sufficient quality for long-term preservation. These specifications should not be seen as a replacement for project-specific analysis of factors such as purpose and use that might dictate higher level capture standards.

Download full guideline.