Digital Pioneers is a project to document early innovations in the use of digitization in libraries, museums, archives, and historical societies in the words of the people who were an integral part of it all. Its purpose is not only to document these peoples’ experiences but also to compile and disseminate learning resources for LIS students and others interested in the evolution of the use and impact of digitization, digital materials and the Internet on cultural heritage institutions. These resources include valuable lessons for those currently in the field and those who will be joining it in the future.

We recognize that the Digital Pioneers featured on this website represent only a small selection of the many early leaders who contributed to development of new approaches to the many complex facets of digitization of cultural heritage resources. The project has come to an end, however, and no additional interviews will be added.

-- September 2012

Interviewees and Interview
Biographies of each Digital Pioneer and full, edited versions of their interviews (including transcripts) are available via the links on this page as well as by using the alphabetically organized navigation header at the top of the page. For ease of viewing, the full interviews have been segmented into shorter themes that can be accessed using the links labeled "Interview Breakdown."

These themes are:
Beginnings
How the Digital Pioneer became involved with a project or educational opportunity regarding digitization, digital materials, the Internet or other aspect related to the topic.
Challenges
The technological, organizational or other challenges the Digital Pioneer faced.
Hindsight
What the Digital Pioneer would do differently if they could.
Advice
Words of wisdom for people entering the profession.

Learning Resources
Students involved in the Digital Pioneers project pulled out and summarized a broad array of information from each interview that they felt was valuable for their learning and education.