OPAC integration in the era of mass digitization: the MBooks experience

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the OPAC integration in the University of Michigan's local implementation of materials digitized in the partnership with Google. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a discussion of different strategies used in integrating metadata with digital resources and presenting the digital objects to the user in the OPAC. Findings The paper finds that methods that had served in smaller digitization projects require more automation and error reduction processes in an undertaking of this scale. Increased integration with the OPAC is one approach. Originality/value Michigan is the first of the Google partners to mount their materials themselves and others involved in mass digitization may be interested in the experience.