September 14, 2005 Source: University of Lethbridge:
http://www.uleth.ca/notice/display.html?b=4&s=4190 Pilot Project Focuses on Document Digitization NextLibrary Inc. today announced the launch of a major historic digitization project for southern Alberta. The University of Lethbridge has agreed to act as a host for the southern Alberta digital library providing access on a not-for-profit basis to students, scholars and members of the public. The project is expected to create 100,000 pages of digital images and searchable index on the internet for up to 50 historic community newspapers published in southern Alberta since the 1880s. “Our company is in the business of taking historic documents and preserving them in a digital format to ensure they are available virtually forever,” said Kathleen Crewdson, president of NextLibrary. “We see the users being researchers, historians, genealogists and the general public.” “We are very pleased to support this initiative,” said Dr. Seamus O’Shea, Vice-President (Academic) and Provost of the University of Lethbridge. “The University recognizes the potential value of a complete record of local newspapers and related materials to assist those interested in the history of the region and its communities.” NextLibrary Inc. is a Canadian company with an office in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They plan to open an office in Lethbridge staffed with two to three employees who will receive technical training in the use of Greenstone Software. Upon completion of the project with the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge will be the foundation for the company to service the many opportunities in the North American market. “We are pleased NextLibrary has chosen Lethbridge as a home base,said Cheryl Dick, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge. “It is a testament to the spirit of cooperation of the community and the foresight of the University of Lethbridge. This is an example of history and technology coming together for the benefit of future generations and Lethbridge is the perfect place for this synergy.” --30 -- Contacts: Ian Dew, NextLibrary Inc.(807) 344-3831
http://nextlib.com
http://greenstone.org Cheryl Dick, Economic Development Lethbridge (403) 331-0022
http://www.ecdevlethbridge.com/ -- U of L Communications and Public Relations Contact:
Bob Cooney, Communications and PR Officer (403) 382-7173
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