In 2013 the Alkek Library created a new department to help increase digitization efforts at Texas State. The new department also brought together other library staff involved in managing digital information such as the manager of the Institutional Repository, the E-resources Librarian and the Library System Coordinator. New spaces were created specifically for digitization and a new position of Digital Media Specialist was created. After a lengthy search and review of a number of qualified candidates, Jeremy Moore was hired in April 2014.

Jeremy and the Digital & Web Services department head, Todd Peters, then began equipping the lab. The two largest repositories of material in need of digitization are the University Archives and the Wittliff Collections. These two collections differ greatly in their missions and the types of objects they house. After discussions with archivists from the University Archives and the Wittliff Collections about holdings and potential projects, it was decided that the most versatile setup would consist of a high resolution medium format digital camera and several desktop scanners.

At the end of July the library acquired a Phase One IQ180 digital back with 80 megapixel resolution, and a Phase One  645DF+ camera.

A Digital Transitions Rcam Reprographic Camera with 72mm SES lens.

and  a DT RG3040 Reprographic System

The lab is also equipped with an Epson 10000 XL and a Plustek Optibook A300 book-edge, and Nikon Coolscan 5000 ED Film scanners.

We have already started several projects and are excited to begin making the material available through the Digital Collections website.