WEST & Internet Archive Project

UW Libraries' Collaboration with WEST and Internet Archive

Nelia Koontz & Emily Woolley

Published April 09, 2025

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introduction

UW Libraries is excited to wrap up a collaborative project with WEST (Western Regional Storage Trust) and Internet Archive to digitize portions of our print journal collection. This initiative enhances access to scholarly materials while optimizing library space on campus.

What is WEST?

WEST is a print journal repository program with 103 member libraries dedicated to preserving and providing access to the scholarly print record. By working together, WEST libraries ensure that physical copies of journals remain available while also making them more accessible through digitization.

 

How This Project Improves Access

Through this partnership, the Internet Archive is digitizing selected print journals from UW Libraries—previously stored in the Library Annex. These materials overlap with holdings in other WEST libraries, meaning physical copies will always remain available through InterLibrary Loan. Once digitization is complete, all content will be accessible in physical and digital formats, making it easier for students and researchers to find the resources they need.

 

Student Contributions

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our student employees. Over the course of five weeks, a team of six students meticulously:

  • Checked call numbers, titles, and barcodes for accuracy
  • Packed and labeled boxes according to strict WEST guidelines
  • Flagged any unusual volumes for further review
  • Transported and stacked the packed boxes at Coe Library for shipment

 

In total, this effort required 70-80 hours of careful work over the course of five weeks to complete, ensuring that the digitization process could proceed smoothly.

 

OUR PEOPLE MADE IT POSSIBLE

We extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped pull, pack, move, and prepare these volumes for digitization. The dedication of our team members ensures that UW Libraries continues to provide broad access to scholarly resources, both now and in the future.

 

Stay tuned for updates as the digitized content becomes available!