Global InformationDigitization information
Digitization[1] is the process of converting information into a digital (i.e. computer-readable) format.[2] The result is the representation of an object, image, sound, document, or signal (usually an analog signal) obtained by generating a series of numbers that describe a discrete set of points or samples.[3] The result is called digital representation or, more specifically, a digital image, for the object, and digital form, for the signal. In modern practice, the digitized data is in the form of binary numbers, which facilitates processing by digital computers and other operations, but digitizing simply means "the conversion of analog source material into a numerical format"; the decimal or any other number system can be used instead.[4]
Digitization is of crucial importance to data processing, storage, and transmission, because it "allows information of all kinds in all formats to be carried with the same efficiency and also intermingled."[5] Though analog data is typically more stable, digital data has the potential to be more easily shared and accessed and, in theory, can be propagated indefinitely without generation loss, provided it is migrated to new, stable formats as needed.[6] This potential has led to institutional digitization projects designed to improve access and the rapid growth of the digital preservation field.[7]
Sometimes digitization and digital preservation are mistaken for the same thing. They are different, but digitization is often a vital first step in digital preservation.[8] Libraries, archives, museums, and other memory institutions digitize items to preserve fragile materials and create more access points for patrons.[9] Doing this creates challenges for information professionals and solutions can be as varied as the institutions that implement them.[10] Some analog materials, such as audio and video tapes, are nearing the end of their life cycle, and it is important to digitize them before equipment obsolescence and media deterioration makes the data irretrievable.[11]
There are challenges and implications surrounding digitization including time, cost, cultural history concerns, and creating an equitable platform for historically marginalized voices.[12] Many digitizing institutions develop their own solutions to these challenges.[9]
Mass digitization projects have had mixed results over the years, but some institutions have had success even if not in the traditional Google Books model.[13] Although e-books have undermined the sales of their printed counterparts, a study from 2017 indicated that the two cater to different audiences and use-cases.[14] In a study of over 1400 university students it was found that physical literature is more apt for intense studies while e-books provide a superior experience for leisurely reading.[14]
Technological changes can happen often and quickly, so digitization standards are difficult to keep updated. Professionals in the field can attend conferences and join organizations and working groups to keep their knowledge current and add to the conversation.[15]
- ^ "What is digitization?". WhatIs.com. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
- ^ Collins Dictionary. (n.d.). Definition of 'digitize'. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/digitize
- ^ Mirzagayeva, Shamiya; Aslanov, Heydar (2022-12-15). "The digitalization process: what has it led to, and what can we expect in the future?" (PDF). Metafizika. 5 (4): 10–21. eISSN 2617-751X. ISSN 2616-6879. OCLC 1117709579. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-11-12. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
- ^ Bloomberg, Jason. "Digitization, Digitalization, And Digital Transformation: Confuse Them At Your Peril". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
- ^ McQuail, D. (2000). McQuail's mass communication theory (4th edition). Sage.
- ^ Brown, A. (2013). Practical digital preservation: A how-to guide for organizations of any size. Neal Schuman.
- ^ Daigle, Bradley J. (2012). "The Digital Transformation of Special Collections". Journal of Library Administration. 52 (3–4): 244–264. doi:10.1080/01930826.2012.684504. S2CID 56527894.
- ^ LeFurgy, Bill (2011-07-15). "Digitization is Different than Digital Preservation: Help Prevent Digital Orphans! | The Signal". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
- ^ a b Riley-Reid, Trevar D. (2015). "The hidden cost of digitization – things to consider". Collection Building. 34 (3): 89–93. doi:10.1108/CB-01-2015-0001.
- ^ "Collaboration between libraries, archives and museums (LAMS) in the digitisation of information in South Africa". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
- ^ "Moving pictures and sound - Digital Preservation Handbook". www.dpconline.org. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
- ^ Hughes-Watkins, Lae'l (2018-05-16). "Moving Toward a Reparative Archive: A Roadmap for a Holistic Approach to Disrupting Homogenous Histories in Academic Repositories and Creating Inclusive Spaces for Marginalized Voices". Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies. 5 (1). ISSN 2380-8845.
- ^ Verheusen, A. (2008). Mass digitization by libraries: Issues concerning organisation, quality and efficiency. LIBER Quarterly, 18(1), 28-38.
- ^ a b Yoo, Dong Kyoon; Roh, James Jungbae (2019-03-04). "Adoption of e-Books: A Digital Textbook Perspective". Journal of Computer Information Systems. 59 (2): 136–145. doi:10.1080/08874417.2017.1318688. ISSN 0887-4417.
- ^ "Session 7: Reformatting and Digitization". Northeast Document Conservation Center. Retrieved 2023-04-14.