1. Local History & Genealogy
Aaron M. O’Donovan
Digitization & Local History Librarian
Local History & Genealogy
September 2017

2. Local History & Genealogy
World History
U. S. History
State History
Local History
Family History
Your History
Our focus is on how people (our customers) use history. History connects us to the past, informs the present and impacts the future.
Items we collect are local, unique to CML
Example: local maps & city directories for house research; photographs that exist no where else

3. Local History & Genealogy
Since 2013:
Refined collecting scope
Strengthened connections w/ 30 other institutions (FCGHS, CHS)
Developed strategy for local digital collections
Upgraded infrastructure with Digital Hubs grant
Launched new My History Digital Collection
Renovated Main Library!
Also:
Ohio Humanities Council grant for the African American Collection
Prepared for renovation

4. Local Digital Collections
What We Do
Provide access to public domain, freely accessible content in our collections and from our customers.
Customers can search and browse the digital collection. All text materials are full-text searchable. All of the items digitized are copyright free or we have been give copyright releases from the owners.
Over 320,000 images online
More than 25 participating libraries and community groups
All formats: photos, newspapers, books, videos, oral histories
“I was delighted to find this portrait of my Great Grandfather David Simpson Gray. I also came across a series of photographs of his and my Great Grandmother's beautiful home, which is now the National Headquarters of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Thanks to the Columbus Library for making my day.”
-- by Sally Gray Drake

5. Digital Hubs Grant
Statewide collaborative project with Cleveland Public Library, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library and Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County
Equipment: Large-format scanner and book scanner
Digital Storage: 48 TB (20x our current capacity)
The Digital Hubs grant allowed us to purchase several pieces of specialized equipment and upgrade our digital storage. More importantly, the grant created four regional digitization centers across the state of which CML serves as the hub for Central Ohio. This project lays the ground work for a statewide digitization presence and builds a feeder system for DPLA.

6. Long-term, our goal is to connect with the Digital Public Library of America. I am currently coordinating efforts for the DPLA project in Ohio and working to bring together the various groups that will need to collaborate in order for Ohio to be represented.
In addition, CML needs to be a regional provider by continuing to work with other institutions in Central Ohio in order to serve as a facilitator for DPLA. In addition to the Digital Hubs project, two new projects set us up to be the digital library of Central Ohio: the Bexley Public Library and the CLC.

7. Genealogy
New partnership with Franklin County Genealogical & Historical Society
Innovative programming. Family History Day on September 23rd
Updated technology for researchers: Scanners & Microfilm
To date, we have over 125,000 images in the collection.
Plan chart.
-developed for 2014; will have some updates in 2015 since we are ahead of schedule in a number of areas
-outcomes

8. Local History & Genealogy
Thank You
Aaron M. O’Donovan
Local History & Genealogy