Overview
Digital Projects is a unit of service within Libraries & Learning at the University of Southern Maine responsible for managing the institutional repository, digitizing university materials, creating digital exhibits, and consulting on the preservation of the university’s digital assets. To see more of what we do, please visit our website: https://digitalprojects.usm.maine.edu
Institutional Repository
Digital Projects maintains Digital Commons, the University of Southern Maine’s institutional repository. With a goal towards open access and open educational resources, to the extent possible by copyright, Digital Projects manages all aspects of Digital Commons, including overseeing submissions, reporting, and updating records.
Students
Students wishing to submit their thesis, dissertation or capstone to be listed on Digital Commons must fill out a USM Content Release Form and email the signed form to digitalprojects@maine.edu, along with a digital copy of their work.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff wishing to submit research and creative works to be listed on Digital Commons can find more information on the Digital Commons Submit Your Research page.
Digitization
Digital Projects digitizes physical items, including manuscript documents, bound volumes, photographs, 3D works, newspapers, slides, and other items, using cameras and scanners. We are also able to convert audio (CDs, cassettes, and vinyl) and moving image (DVD, VHS) media.
To request digitization services, please submit a Digitization Request and Service Agreement Form
Before you submit a request
To qualify for digitization services, applicants must be actively employed by the University of Southern Maine. A Digital Projects staff member will reach out to you once we receive your request in order to set up time to assess the item(s) you wish to digitize.
Digitization requests are processed in the order that they are received. Digital Projects reserves the right to prioritize the order of digitization requests based on various factors including when the materials are ready for digitization and workflow-related issues (e.g. size, format, quantity).
Digital Projects cannot and will not make assessments regarding the copyright status of materials submitted for digitization unless they will be included in the Digital Commons repository. The acceptance of a digitization request and the subsequent provision of digital reproductions by Digital Projects does not constitute permission by any copyright holder and is not a substitute for diligent compliance with all applicable copyright requirements.
Digital Projects reserves the right to decline materials that exhibit signs of extensive fragility, disrepair, volatility, instability, mold, infestation, or other conditions that may adversely affect the aforementioned materials, other materials, or Digital Projects staff and/or equipment during the digitization process.
Digital Exhibitions
Digital Projects works with faculty to develop digital exhibits of their work. Different types of exhibits can be built depending on the project. Current exhibits were built with Digital Commons Exhibits and CollectionBuilder, though other platforms can be used if required. Anyone interested in creating an exhibit should send an inquiry to digitalprojects@maine.edu.
Other services
Digital Projects can assist with other types of projects. Please contact us at digitalprojects@maine.edu for more information and to discuss how we can assist.
Transcription and captioning
Digital Projects provides transcription and captioning services for oral histories, recorded lectures, and other University A/V material.
File migration
Digital Projects can perform data migration within reason from old format media such as floppy discs and CDs, and can consult on other storage media.