The School of Cultural Texts and Records at Jadavpur University and the British Library’s Endangered Archives Programme are calling for applications for a three-day workshop on conservation for digitisation at Jadavpur University in Kolkata. This workshop is aimed at all the professional figures working in archives and libraries. No prior conservation knowledge is required but it is desirable.
Mode of delivery: The workshop will be delivered in English.
Timelines:
- The deadline for applications is Wednesday 9 October 2024.
- The workshop will take place on Wednesday 27, Thursday 28 and Friday 29 November 2024.
Thanks to generous funding from British Council, we have some funding to cover internal flights and accommodation for 4 workshop participants coming from other parts of India. Please note that this option is only available for applicants already based in India. We welcome applications from applicants anywhere in South Asia, but we will not be able to cover any travel, accommodation or subsistence costs for those applying from outside of India.
What is the workshop about?
Digitisation in Library and Archives is one of the most effective ways to reduce the handling of original items, increase access and virtually unify materials with collections from other libraries. This three-day workshop, tailored to the needs of your collections, will introduce you to the main aspects of conservation for digitisation of library and archive material and will allow you to preserve your collections throughout the digitisation process.
What will we cover?
The workshop will focus on the benefits of digitisation, reasons for digitizing, digitization methods and the selection of items. We will cover the scoping for collections, condition assessments and handling of items as well as digitization workflow. You will be able to learn how to prepare your workspace and how to use relevant tools. We will discuss how to plan for digitisation, how to use guidelines and getting resources. Finally, you will be able to carry out simple stabilization measures.
What will you achieve?
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to identify project scopes and decide on suitable materials for digitisation. You will understand what are the necessary resources and materials when planning a project, as well as how to prepare your workspace, handle items and assess their condition. You will be able to undertake simple but effective stabilization measures such as dry cleaning, removal of staples and unfolding corners, and you will produce a book cradle. Finally, you will understand how to use digitisation guidelines and how to implement strategies for getting resources.
What is the workshop format?
You will learn through various effective methods including lectures on PowerPoint, group and individual hands-on activities, and quizzes.
Morning sessions will include a combination of theoretical presentations and demonstrations.
Afternoon sessions will be mainly hands on and will cover topics such as how to make a book cradle and cushion and how to carry out simple stabilisation measures such as the removal of staples, unfolding corners and separating pages.
Twenty places will be available for the morning sessions but out of the twenty selected participants, only twelve will be able to take part in the afternoon sessions. This is due to the practical aspect of these sessions, which only work with a smaller group of participants.
How can you apply?
Places are limited so interested applicants are required to complete below application form:
The deadline to fill the above application form is 9 October 2024.
If you are interested in participating in the afternoon practical sessions (and specifically need to learn how to make a book cradle and cushion and learn to carry out simple stabilisation measures), you will need to explain why in the application form and specify your level of manual dexterity.
Please note that we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early to maximize the chances of securing a spot. Due to the very large number of applications received for workshops, we are unable to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.