SCRLC Digitization Program

Tools of History (http://www.ToolsofHistory.org) is the major component of the Digitization Program of South Central Regional Library Council. As such, its mission is to provide end-users with universal access to the unique collections that reflect the regional cultural heritage of south central NYS. Through this collaborative program universal access is available to digital collections of historical manuscripts, photographs, maps, drawings, books, and artifacts that have been contributed by libraries, archives, historical societies, museums and cultural organizations comprising the membership of SCRLC.

The Digitization Program has been charged to:

• Identify and include unique collections that reflect the historical significance of the South Central region of NYS.
• Train contributors to develop the skills to select and contribute to Tools of History.
• Provide standards that create consistency in descriptions and allow for searching across collections.
• Promote Tools of History as a valuable resource for students, educators and the general public.
• Identify organizational partners in the South Central region of New York State.

Funding for the Digitization Program is from various sources including, but not limited to:

• South Central Regional Library Council operating budget
• New York State Regional Bibliographic Databases Program
• Senator George Winner, 53rd Senate District
• Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library
• Library Services Technology Act