Going digital is easier said than done. Especially for librarians, archivists and museum staff in charge of converting large, complex collections into digitized images that can be accessed online around the globe. To expedite the process, Cornell University preservation librarians Anne R. Kenney and Oya Y. Rieger have created a self-help reference guide called Moving Theory Into Practice (The Research Libraries Group, 189 pages).

Moving Theory Into Practice is a timely and valuable reference for librarians, archivists, curators, funders, managers, system analysts, programmers, administrators, faculty and other scholars. It covers all aspects of digital conversion, from decision-making to sound practices to turning projects into sustainable digital programs. Contributions from more than 50 experts inform the text, and Kenney and Rieger provide important guidance highlighting major issues, pertinent research trends and relevant emerging technologies and techniques.

"Much of the world's intellectual record exists in written or print form," says Kenney, associate director of Cornell Library's Preservation and Conservation Department. "This wealth of material has been, and continues to be, collected and held for the ages by libraries, archives and museums. Librarians and archivists must now address a whole new challenge: to integrate the use of older cultural resources into the online realm of 21st century inquiry."

"They may have no choice," Rieger adds, "as changing user behavior and expectations demand ready access for these resources." to continue to be used.

In a review of the guide, Roy Tennant, digital library project manager at the University of California-Berkeley wrote: "This book goes a long way toward filling the void of practical, down-to-earth information and advice on digital imaging for libraries and archives. It is a 'must read' for any librarian or archivist tackling a digital imaging project."

The Research Libraries Group is a not-for-profit membership corporation devoted to the mission of "improving access to information that supports research and learning." Founded in 1974, RLG is an international member alliance, including universities and colleges, national libraries, archives, historical societies, museums and independent research collections and public libraries.

For more information about Moving Theory Into Practice, see http://www.rlg.org/preserv/mtip2000.html or contact Anne Kenney or Oya Rieger at (607) 255-9440.