Digitization “QC” Beyond the Files: Implementing Ethics of Care and Quality Control Across the Digitization Workflow

This session will introduce participants to all aspects of the digitization workflow, from selection to preparation, scanning to quality assurance of newly created files. We will discuss best practices and standards within cultural heritage digitization, with an emphasis on visual
resources and still image materials. We will discuss tools and strategies for managing digitization projects of all sizes, as well as tips and tricks for capturing “trickier” or more fragile materials and format types. Throughout the session, we will highlight ways in which various care
ethics can be applied to digitization as well as the ways in which digitization intersects with (and can be used to support): reparative description, user experience, and other efforts related to digital collections stewardship.

 Learning Outcomes

  • Improve strategies and vocabularies around digitization processes and technologies

  • Learn the basics of digitization capture standards (such as FADGI) as well as the basics
    of establishing a digitization workflow

  • Understand the ways in which digitization connects with and supports other efforts within
    digital collections stewardship

Your Instructor

Theresa Berger

Head of Digital Library Services, University of Minnesota

Theresa Berger (she/her) is Head of Digital Library Services at the University of Minnesota Libraries. As head of DLS, Theresa oversees digitization and digital collections development for archives and special collections across the University. As an MLIS, Certified Archivist, and Digital Archives Specialist, Theresa’s work seeks to bring theories and best practices from
archives and special collections into the digitization lab and across the digitization workflow.


With almost a decade of experience developing large-scale, multimillion-dollar digital collections and digitization programs at the state and federal levels, Theresa is an advocate for early-career employment, sustainability, and mentorship across the profession. Outside of work, she is a fan of craft beer, cats, large dogs, and ghost stories.