I'm not sure the question at this point is whether it's the absolute best use of
WMUK funds. It is _a_ use of those funds, which is what has been lacking up to now so far
as I've noticed.
In any case the third/fourth bullet points sound like pretty ideal uses of funds to me. I
don't think "Google will do it given time" is much of an argument.
-----Original Message-----
From: wikimediauk-l-bounces(a)lists.wikimedia.org
[mailto:wikimediauk-l-bounces@lists.wikimedia.org] On Behalf Of Fae
Sent: 17 August 2011 04:05
To: wikimediauk-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org
Subject: [Wikimediauk-l] Question: When and how often should WM-UK give grants for
digitization projects?
Hi,
The Chapter has had recent grant requests of the following sorts:
* A request to scan and release papers from a notable person's estate after their
death, the papers have not previously been in the public domain.
* A suggested volunteer project with Wikipedians to scan several thousand major items of
significant artwork and records that can be released for the first time into the public
domain.
* A suggested project to pay institution professionals to scan several thousand major
items of significant artwork and records that can be released for the first time into the
public domain.
* A proposal to jointly fund an institution to pay for digitization of hundreds of
thousands of previously unreleased historic papers where there are no copyright
implications.
In the light of the British Library's recent agreement with Google Books to partner
with them to scan and release a vast number of "old"
books on Google's well known system, I remain uncertain about whether digitization for
larger projects is the best use of WM-UK funds. These are all good projects that push
forward our mission of opening up knowledge for maximum possible public access, however it
can also be argued that such projects may be far more effectively managed by a specialist
partner (such as Google or established academic institutions and charities with specialist
skills and equipment).
I welcome any feedback on how well these projects fulfil our mission and how often our
funds ought to be invested in these projects compared to other projects which may have
greater impact for new user outreach or wider "e-volunteer" engagement.
Cheers,
Fae
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