When we think of newspapers, we tend to think of them as providing information on current events. But they are so much more. Newspapers provide us with incredible information on events, people, places, attitudes and opinions from both the recent to the distant past. Many organizations that house newspaper archives are leveraging document scanning services to digitize them and preserve history. Digitized newspapers can be shared across libraries and universities, expanding their accessibility, usability, and findability.
Benefits of Digitizing Newspaper Archives
The digitization of old newspapers involves transferring the content of newspapers from microfilm to digital data that is searchable online. This process involves scanning, indexing, and archiving old newspapers to preserve their content and make it readily available to a wider audience. In addition to saving storage space, there are several reasons why newspaper digitization is important.
Preserves historical records
Physical newspapers are prone to wear and tear over time. About forty years ago, the papers were converted into microfilm copies. Subsequently, as the digital age set in, microfilm was converted to digital files. Digitization helps preserve historical records and makes them accessible to future generations. This is crucial in preserving the nation’s or a local region’s collective history and heritage.
Increases accessibility
A wider range of audiences will be able to access and utilize the historic newspapers once they are digitized and online. Anyone with an internet connection can access them from anywhere in the world. This means that people no longer have to rely on physical copies or visit a library to access newspapers.
Easier to read
Digitizing and viewing old newspapers on computers makes them more accessible and easier to read compared to microfilm or print versions. The computer interface allows users to zoom in and out to view content more clearly. Users can also easily save and print articles of interest from the digital versions.
Promotes wider dissemination of information
By enhancing accessibility, digital newspapers facilitate wider dissemination of information. With digital newspapers, people can easily share articles, stories, or information with others via social media, email, or other digital platforms. This helps in spreading awareness about the past.
Primary sources for historical research
Newspapers can serve as useful primary sources for historical research. Digitizing them preserves their valuable content for the long term, allowing researchers, genealogists and students of the past access to this rich archive. Digitized newspapers reflect the time period in which they were created, and provide a glimpse into society at the time.
Serves educational purposes
Digitized newspapers can be more easily integrated into classroom settings and academic work. The availability of these digital resources will enable educators to incorporate them into their teaching and learning activities.
Easier searching and indexing of content
Digitizing historic newspapers allows for easier searching and indexing of content, expands their accessibility, usability, and findability. Anyone can search for names of people and events over periods of time using keywords or phrases, making it simpler to find specific articles or information. This is especially useful for researchers, historians, and students who are looking for specific information or conducting research on a particular topic.
Efforts are underway across the nation to digitize historic records. Let’s take a look at leading projects to digitize old newspapers.
Ongoing Projects for Digitizing Old Newspapers
In January 2024, Simcoe Reformer reported that the Norfolk County Archives would install state-of-the-art technology to scan mountains of historical paperwork, including copies of local newspapers dating back to 1860. The Archives are a hub for genealogists and those looking for historical information about local homes, businesses, industries and more in Norfolk.
The report noted that though Norfolk County Archives launched its online database in 2023, only a limited number of records, mostly photographs, were uploaded. An advanced scanner designed to large-format items will be used and the digitized newspapers would be uploaded on a new platform developed for the purpose. The digitized version will include 165 years of local news and be “key word searchable,” allowing users to find the articles they want much quicker.
Vernon Historical Society (VHS) is also making efforts to digitize local newspapers. The Society has selected the following local papers for digitization:
- Tolland County Journal: 1867-1884
- Rockville Journal: 1885-1899 and 1911-1968
- Rockville Leader: 1902, 1908, 1910, 1919-1964
- Tri-Town Reporter: 1973-1984
Once digitized and reviewed, the newspapers will be loaded into the Connecticut Digital Archive (CDTA). Anyone can view and search the newspapers by accessing this online database or using an internet search engine. This project will make over a century’s worth of Tolland County newspapers and historical records available online for the first time.
Newspaper digitization plays a crucial role in preserving historical records, increasing accessibility, facilitating easier searching and indexing, and promoting the sharing and dissemination of information. Newspapers, publishers, and organizations should invest in document digitization services to preserve old records. Working with an experienced document scanning company is a practical way to ensure the continued relevance and accessibility of newspapers in the digital era. Digitization efforts allow these valuable historical records to be brought online and made available to a wider audience, unlocking their full potential for research, education, and public access.
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