Digitization - definition
Conversion of an analog or
continuous signal into a series of ones and zeros i.e. into a digital format.
-Information Highway Advisory Council Final Report
Who we are
The Windsor -Essex Centre of Digital Expertise is a virtual
organization created by the Windsor Public Library (WPL) and its partners the
City of Windsor Technology Services Division, the University of Windsor Leddy
Library, the Windsor - Essex Catholic District School Board, the Windsor Public
Library - Windsor's Community Museum and Windsor Woodcarving Museum with a
funding contribution of from the Ministry of Culture for the purposes of
developing expertise in digitization, creating digital products, and promoting
knowledge about digitization throughout the
Windsor - Essex community and beyond.
Our Mandate
The Windsor - Essex Centre of Digital Expertise represents a model for creating a digitization resource framework that can be replicated by other public library alliances throughout the province. The Windsor/Essex Centre of Digital Expertise (WECODE) preserves the heritage of Windsor & Essex by storing images, artifacts and other information in digital form. This information is made available to everyone with access to a computer and the Internet, or, upon request, by CD-ROM.
The web pages, CD-ROMs, and other media that spring from the Windsor/Essex Centre of Digital Expertise celebrate our unique heritage, inform and invigorate our present, and work to inspire future generations of Windsorites, as well as Canadians.
How We Began
The Windsor Public Library digitization efforts began with the bringing together of an advisory group that included members from the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, the University of Windsor's Leddy Library, the City of Windsor Technology Services, the Windsor Public Library--Windsor’s Community Museum, and the Windsor Public Library. WPL took the lead in submitting an application for funding from the Government of Canada through the Canada's Millennium Partnership Program.
The awarding of the grant enabled the Windsor Public Library to create a Digitization Lab consisting of two computers and a scanner. Software purchases included tools for photo editing, video editing, and web design. Further purchases included tables for workspace and cabinets for securing documentation.
These initial purchases were integral to the start-up of a new digitization initiative within the WPL. The grant also provided funding for a part-time graphic designer, and a full-time web-developer/project co-ordinator. These projects were created for the Canada's Millennium Partnership Program., including:
Bienvenue
à Windsor
Based on an original exhibit at the Windsor Public Library - Windsor’s
Community Museum, this site explores the history of French culture in Windsor
and Essex County.
Some
Assembly Required
Another site based on an original exhibit
from the Windsor Public Library - Windsor’s Community Museum, Some Assembly Required explores the social
changes that resulted from the development of the automotive industry in
Windsor.
Windsor
on Wheels
Developed by the Windsor Public Library from
the ground up, this site documents the companies that built
the present day automotive industry in Windsor.
In September of 2000, the WPL and the University of Windsor Leddy Library submitted an application to the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation Heritage and Libraries Branch for funding through the Digital Alliances Partnership Program of the Library Strategic Development Fund.
On January 25, 2001, then Minister Helen Johns announced funding to create the new Windsor-Essex Centre of Digital Expertise, which aims to bring community historical and planning materials to the Internet in a popular and artistic way in presenting the partners with a cheque for $50,000, Johns said, "It was the best proposal we received in Ontario and I'm very proud of that." Johns added, "I know you are poised and ready to go. You have some wonderful expertise here."
Developing the Centre
During the development of the first projects, certain understandings began to emerge. The process of digitization is still in its infancy and new protocols are constantly emerging. Development of hardware and software technology, as well as web technology, demands ever-expanding knowledge on several fronts.
With this in mind, a key element to its endurance is in its partnership with other institutions within the community. These institutions, who do well to keep up-to-date in their field or specialization, in turn bring their knowledge to the Windsor/Essex Centre of Digital Expertise. The partnerships vary from project to project. A list of WECODE and WPL current projects and the partners involved can be found on the projects 2003 page.
The WECODE digitization knowledge-base is growing. Aside from our alliance with other experts, centre staff attend workshops and seminars to keep up-to- date in the field of digitization.
Where we are now
The Windsor/Essex Centre of Digital Expertise has been successful in securing additional grants and contracts to extend its work. There are currently several projects underway, each involving different community partners.
Who we are
Chris Woodrow
Director Marketing & Communication, Windsor Public Library
Corinne
Despierre-Corporon
Production Coordinator - Web Designer,
Windsor Public Library, Windsor/Essex Centre of Digital Expertise
Josie Hazen
Graphic Designer, Windsor Public Library, Windsor/Essex Centre of
Digital Expertise
Heather Butt
Heritage Services Representative
Windsor Public Library - Windsor's Community Museum
Tom Vajdik
Local History Librarian, Windsor Public Library