UCLA Library launches temporary digitization service
University Librarian
To: UCLA Faculty and Graduate Researchers
I am pleased to inform you that the UCLA Library is piloting temporary new services to bolster the resumption of research activities during phase 2 of the campus’s research ramp-up plan.
Library leadership’s approach to offering these services is guided by our priority of mitigating risk for Library staff and the entire research community. We have adopted rigorous practices as required elsewhere on campus, including reduced personnel density, extensive sanitization protocols, required daily symptom monitoring and mandated use of face coverings. We will continue to adapt these practices as we receive new safety guidelines and in-line with campus guidance, ensuring services are optimal for everyone.
We will begin our pilot services with the launch of the Pilot Emergency Temporary Digitization on Request Service on July 6 at 8:00 a.m. This service will focus on alleviating the most time-sensitive and urgent campus research needs.
During the pilot phase of the digitization service, priority will be given to requests from UCLA graduate students working under practical deadlines, followed by early career faculty, followed by early career researchers. Our intention is to grow service capacity over time, adding additional users as we review the demand for digitization services.
The initial phase of the service focuses on scanning and delivering published book chapters and journal articles in the Library’s general print collections that have not been previously digitized. When the Library is able to advance to the next phase of the ramp-up plan, we will consider digitizing entire monographs as part of the service. Unfortunately, Library Special Collections materials are exempt from this service.
The process to request digitized materials during the pilot program will be similar to placing an Interlibrary Loan request:
- Researchers will be asked to fill out an online form in order to register for an account.
- Once active, researchers can submit specific requests.
- Approved materials will be scanned and delivered via email with a link to view a PDF following the researcher’s acknowledgement of the copyright statement. All requests must comply with current United States copyright law.
- While the Library’s physical locations remain closed, the fee for the service will be waived.
Activating additional services will be a gradual process. We are working on launching a pilot paging and pick-up service in the next few months, and are also exploring the feasibility of a mailing service. We are being careful to adhere to the guidelines from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the university.
Please see the Library’s FAQ about the Pilot Emergency Temporary Digitization on Request Service as well as future re-opening plans. For a complete list of remote resources currently available, please visit the Library website.
I invite you to submit any comments or questions about UCLA Library’s research ramp-up services to pilotservicesfeedback@library.ucla.edu.
On behalf of the entire UCLA Library, we are looking forward to offering these pilot services to advance your current research goals and await the day when we can welcome you back to our physical library spaces.
Sincerely,
Virginia Steel
Norman and Armena Powell University Librarian
