Advancing 3D Digitization for Libraries, Museums, and Archives

Abstract

Digitizing collections has become a standard practice for libraries, museums, and archives. These collections include flat objects, photographs, negatives, microfilm, audio and video materials. Utilizing established workflows and best practices, these collections are easily accessible through content management systems and shareable through standardized metadata and exchange protocols, exemplified by the success of the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). While the digitization of 2D objects continues, affordable 3D technologies are advancing opportunities for the same institutions to consider including 3D objects in their digital collections. The IUPUI University Library Center for Digital Scholarship is working towards a like basis of standards for scanned 3D artifacts in and incorporating those standards into current digital initiatives.