Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Virginia Tech, with advisory support from the town of Blacksburg, VA, University of North Texas, University of Georgia, University of Virginia, University of Pennsylvania, and Whose Knowledge?, will develop a model for community engagement that fosters robust partnerships among academic libraries and regional organizations, which will result in greater digital access to currently isolated collections and networks. Small regional institutions and organizations possess rich cultural heritage collections but often lack robust digital infrastructures. This project addresses these library and community needs through collaborative digital repatriation and collection development. The team will develop and pilot a participatory library development model. The work will expand digital access to previously isolated or rural collections while ensuring that the collections continue to reside with their owners. This proposal seeks to develop a methodology for community partnerships and foster collaboration between libraries and stakeholders.