Frequently Asked Questions

This page will be updated as needed to address questions about the submissions and review process.

Q1: Who is eligible to submit a project? Is it only open to curators?

A1: The project submissions form is open to anyone who works at Houghton Library. If you have an idea as an outside colleague, you can co-submit with a Houghton sponsor/

Q2: I am a paraprofessional with a great project idea, but I don't have any funding. Can I still submit a project?

A2: In support of making the application process open to all staff, a budget line for project digitization has been established. To apply using those funds, select "Applying for Houghton central funding" in response to the form question "How will this project be funded?"

Q3: There is a project I'd like to submit because I think the fragile materials would be better accessed online. Should I set up a meeting with conservation to review these materials before submitting my project?

A3: It is sufficient to detail fragile conditions to the extent to which you are currently aware. If the project is selected by the committee, the materials will receive an appropriate conservation review. This workflow is designed to avoid overloading conservation on speculative work.

Q4: I don't have a full manuscript collection I'd like digitized, but there are is a group of 30 pamphlets on social issues that I think would make a great project. Does that count? 

A4: Yes! This is an opportunity to think creatively about what might constitute a digital project for Houghton. While we welcome opportunities to make whole collections available online, innovative thinking about how best to serve researchers is equally encouraged.

Q5: I have a great project idea, but the submissions period is over. Can I still pass my idea on to someone on the committee and get a late review?

A5: Unfortunately, no. There are three reasons we cannot offer a rolling submissions process. The first is that Imaging Services plans out their project digitization schedule 6 months in advance, and a fixed selection schedule allows us to work with Imaging more efficiently. The second is that, out of respect for the time commitment involved, we can't have the review committee serve "on-call." The third is that this process is a move towards thinking about digitization across Houghton in a more strategic manner. A great idea will most likely still be great in the future. If there is an something that has exceeding timeliness concerns, or if there is an inter-campus collaboration (including Digitization for Teaching and Learning) that is suggested outside the timeline, please contact the Digital Collections Program Manager as accommodations may be made.