Born fi dead? Special collections and born digital heritage, Jamaica

Abstract

Cultural heritage print items in special collections hold distinct positions in libraries. Yet their potential for pedagogy and learning may often be under-explored due to issues related to preservation management. These challenges underpin their exclusivity, a perception which may impact donor relations and unconsciously impede research access. Conversely, electronic publishing has enhanced access to born digital cultural heritage products of scholars and creative expressionists. Without the hassle of intermediaries, these born digital producers represent a ''new world order'' for libraries charged with dual responsibility for access and posterity. Some challenges are infrastructural, such as Internet penetration, others are human related arising from the need for capacity building in areas such as publishing and effective preservation strategies. These skills are essential to fully conceptualize potential for loss of cultural heritage products and the need for viable mechanisms to manage content; anything less would suggest cultural heritage products are literally ''born fi dead''.

Trends and issues in Jamaican academic libraries 2010-2016

“…Research is needed however to determine if there is a shift in trend from "just-in-case" to a "just-in-time" acquisition of resources and to determine if there has been a shift to PDA of e-books. Kerr-Campbell and Salmon (2013) and Smart (2015) publications highlight the focus given to special collections within the Jamaican academic scene. Kerr-Campbell and Salmon's (2013) paper reveals that the acquisition of special collections, such as the Cousin Hereward postcard collection, is of importance to the UWI Mona library.…”

“…Kerr-Campbell and Salmon's (2013) paper reveals that the acquisition of special collections, such as the Cousin Hereward postcard collection, is of importance to the UWI Mona library. Smart's (2015) paper also highlights the acquisition of special collections and notes the issues with cultural heritage print items in special collections versus born digital cultural heritage products. Smart's (2015) paper further suggests that special collections is an area of emphasis at the UWI Mona Library and that the cultural print items present challenges with regards to preservation management and research access as opposed to the born-digital special collections materials.…”

“…Smart's (2015) paper also highlights the acquisition of special collections and notes the issues with cultural heritage print items in special collections versus born digital cultural heritage products. Smart's (2015) paper further suggests that special collections is an area of emphasis at the UWI Mona Library and that the cultural print items present challenges with regards to preservation management and research access as opposed to the born-digital special collections materials. This indicates that there is some amount of digital preservation of special collection items, but more work is needed to ensure greater access and posterity.…”