The Wellcome Library Collaborative Mental Health Digitisation Project: Lessons learned to date

Abstract

This paper sets out how the Wellcome Library undertook a large-scale digitisation project with partners from across the UK. The Mental Health Digitisation project asked partners to create digital surrogates of material they held, and, along with the metadata describing that material, deliver the surrogates to the library. The paper discusses how the project was set up, how third parties were supported and systems were put in place to automate the transfer of the images. Although this project is not yet completed, the paper sets out both processes used and lessons learned at this point in the project. Much has been learned through the project, including the importance of clear instructions and documentation, and the importance of face-to-face meetings when discussing complex issues. Indeed, one cannot over-emphasise the importance of clear communication when dealing with complex issues of data protection, copyright and privacy.