Case Study: 7
eKAM (Finland)
Themes
Promoting the co-operation of libraries, archives and museums in digitisation.
Key words: Finland, digitisation, voluntary cooperation
Relation to wider policy agendas
e-inclusion: widen access
Demand
The eKAM partners were either involved in the earlier digitisation project 'Muisti' (Memory, 1996-1998)
and/or in the work of the Digitisation of Cultural Heritage Committee, appointed by the Finnish Ministry
of Education in 2000. In 2003, when the Digitisation of Cultural Heritage Committee finished its work and
funding forecasts were unclear, the main players in the heritage sector felt it was important to continue
the effort on a voluntary basis.
Description
- To promote digital cooperation between museums, libraries and archives in Finland;
- To ensure ongoing development in the digitisation of Finnish cultural heritage despite lack of funding;
- To re-think distribution of work and structures to ensure more effective and efficient use of resources.
- A benchmarking working group which develops an online benchmarking tool for cultural digitisation
initiatives to encourage self assessment and self evaluation;
- An information working group whose first task is to plan the launch of the benchmarking system in 2005;
- A selection working group which identifies potential projects taking into account long-term preservation
priorities;
- A technical working group which supports the realisation of a common interface for museum, archive and
library materials in Finland;
- A finance working group which identifies and targets potential funding sources.
Barriers/constraints
- A Lack of funding due to a decrease in funding from the Ministry of Education since the final
report of the Committee in 2003;
- A lack of formal status impact aims;
- No strategies for the motivation of staff;
- No clear lines of responsibility.
Keys to success
- Mutual trust between partners;
- A pioneering spirit;
- The extra effort made by the staff involved.
Impact
The framework seems favourable and eventually the outcome is expected to be positive. eKAM has
arranged one national conference on digitisation so far. 'Open Net?' was held in Helsinki in
November 2004. It gathered more than 200 experts to discuss the current position, trends and possibilities
in the digitisation of cultural heritage in Finland. eKAM has the support of the directors of the main
national memory organisations.
Dissemination of lessons learned
Regular meetings of the partners 1-2 times per year.
Information working group responsible for dissemination of information to all the sectors.
Online dissemination once common website is realised.
Domains involved
Libraries, archives and museums
Geographical coverage
Finland
Standards/Guidelines used
In all digitisation projects MINERVA
Guidelines are taken into account. Other standards include:
OAI-PMH,
Dublin Core,
ZING Z39.50.
Partnership
National Board of Antiquities
Finnish Museums Association
The Finnish Museum of Photography
Finnish National Gallery
Helsinki University Library - National Library
Ministry of Education
Museums of the City of Tampere
National Archives
Society of Swedish Literature in Finland
University of Art and Design Helsinki
?o Akademi University Library
Funding sources
Some eKAM activities have received government funding:
- KAMUT 2, pre-study into a common interface for museum, archive and library material in Finland
(2003) received 17,000 Euro from the Ministry of Education;
- Benchmarking tool (2004) received 10,000 Euro from the Ministry of Education.
In addition, personnel costs for participation in eKAM meetings and activities have been covered
by the organisations themselves.
Lifespan of project
Autumn 2003 - as long as necessary
Status of project
Ongoing
Relates to
http://www.minedu.fi/minedu/publications/2003/kten.doc
Helsinki University Library - Centre
for Microfilming and Conservation
Host Organisation
Helsinki University Library / Centre for Microfilming and Conservation
Organisation type
Helsinki University Library is the Finnish national library. Its centre for preservation and digitisation
coordinates the eKAM effort.
eKAM meetings take place twice a year. The Directors of the participating organisations meet once a year.
A small preparatory group meets whenever necessary. Five working groups realise the objectives of the
co-operation: they plan and accomplish tasks allocated to them by the directors and the main eKAM meeting:
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