In 2025, the NYG&B opened its third Digitization Center, in partnership with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL). Through this partnership, we have significantly increased our digitization capacity and efforts in the region.
Once a Digitize New York project has been selected for the Western New York Digitization Center, project partners can either drop off or mail their records to the center or arrange with the NYG&B to have their records picked up for delivery to the center.
Scanning
Volunteers scan physical records using a CopiBook OS A2 scanner, generously funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Considered the fastest book scanner in its class, it can handle multi-volume texts while maintaining exceptional image quality.
Processing
Once texts have been scanned, images are prepared digitally using LIMB Processing software, which can easily be used to adjust the brightness, dimension, and framing of thousands of scans as well as improve the legibility and presentation of older, more degraded texts.
Uploading Online
After processing is completed, the collections are added to the NYG&B's Online Records and Collections. A set of unprocessed scans are also stored in the NYG&B’s long-term digital archive. The NYG&B may also add in its own indexing system, which is undertaken by staff and volunteers and ensures that published online collections are as user-friendly as possible. All Digitize New York projects are made publicly accessible online.
After document scanning and processing are completed, the physical records are returned to the project partner either by mail, in-person pick up at the Western New York Digitization Center, or via delivery back to the partner’s location. The NYG&B is able to help re-home documents by request.
Get Involved in the Western New York Digitization Center!
Have questions about Digitize New York and our Western New York Digitization Center? Please contact DigitizeNY@nygbs.org.