Effective Communication to Aid Collaboration for Digital Collections: A Case Study at Florida Gulf Coast University Library

Abstract

Effective communication is one of the most important resources for successful outreach efforts. This article addresses the benefits that can emerge from successful communication as well as the negative effects that may stem from ineffective communication. A case study of Florida Gulf Coast University Archives, Special Collections, & Digital Initiatives' outreach efforts among local cultural heritage organizations will demonstrate methods used to approach these organizations and subsequent results. After attempting to provide several organizations with professional assistance regarding digitization and digital preservation of historic records, Archives, Special Collections, & Digital Initiatives sought to establish a formalized outreach approach. While there is a large amount of literature discussing broad outreach efforts, few articles delve into specific communication methods, potential benefits, and possible drawbacks. This article will show that with specific methods of communication, outreach can prove advantageous for both the community organization in need and the library institution providing the service.