This email is an invitation to participate in the Digital Library Federation’s Assessment Interest Group's (DLF AIG) working group on cost<https://wiki.diglib.org/Assessment:Costs#DLF_Cost_Working_Group> in 2021. There is more information about the group below, but first, a few words about participating in DLF AIG.


The only requirement for participation in a DLF AIG working group is a willingness to dig in and devote a small part of your time contributing to the tools, methods, and body of knowledge on digital library assessment. Attendance at the DLF forum is not a requirement for participation in any of the working groups. Additionally, if your institution is not a DLF member, you can still participate.


Cost Working Group in 2021


The Cost Working group is an ideal place for digital lab practitioners and managerial staff alike to come together to talk about practical ways to assess the resources necessary to plan and execute successful digitization projects.


Building on the development of the Digitization Cost Calculator<https://dashboard.diglib.org/>, the AIG Cost Group is shifting directions to create a more expansive toolkit that will serve a wider range of digitization labs. Beginning with a survey in 2021, the Cost group will seek information from a variety of digitization stakeholders from across the field to inform two new initiatives. The data collected will be used to help create resources for calculating and assessing institutional commitments necessary for successful digitization projects or starting a digitization program.


Two of the resources we are looking into creating are a resource library, similar to the DLF AIG Metadata Application Profile Clearinghouse Project<https://dlfmetadataassessment.github.io/MetadataSpecsClearinghouse/>, and templates for “cost worksheets” which might be applied at the institutional level and modified for local use.


Cost Working Group Goals for 2021


  *   Distribute Still Image Digitization Costs Assessment Survey
  *   Explore the creation of a Digitization Resource Library containing institution profiles, workflow examples, and digitization equipment lists
  *   Explore the creation of templates for “cost worksheets” that can be customized for local use
  *   Explore the needs of those involved in digital production and how we might support one another.


How can you participate?


  *   Join us for the kickoff meeting scheduled for February 8, 2021 at 3pm (eastern) / 2pm (central) /1pm (mountain) / 12pm (pacific)
     *   Zoom details will be shared through the Google Group prior to the meeting.
     *   Alternatively, you can email either Suzanne Preate or Shannon Willis directly (see email addresses below) for call-in information.
  *   To join the group, email either Suzanne Preate or Shannon Willis directly (see email addresses below) or go to the Google Group<https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/dlf-aig-cost-assessment> and join us!
  *   Have ideas for potential projects related to digitization costs? Let’s hear them!
  *   Are you a spreadsheet wizard? We’d love to work with you.
  *   Look out for our Still Image Digitization Costs Assessment Survey!


For questions about the larger DLF Assessment Interest Group, contact the DLF AIG co-leaders, Sara Rubinow ([log in to unmask]) and Santi Thompson ([log in to unmask]).


Thank you for participating in the DLF AIG!


Suzanne Preate ([log in to unmask]) and Shannon Willis ([log in to unmask])

DLF AIG Cost Group co-coordinators

Suzanne Preate (she, her, hers)
Digital Initiatives Librarian
Syracuse University Libraries
315.443.4243
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
222 Waverly Ave., Syracuse, NY 13244
library.syr.edu<https://library.syr.edu/>
Syracuse University

Shannon Willis
pronouns: she/her/hers
Associate Librarian/Digital Lab Manager
Digital Projects Unit, Digital Libraries Division
University of North Texas Libraries
940.369.7809
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>