Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the hosting program? Eligible partners include Michigan libraries, museums, schools, historical interest groups, and municipal governments.

How do we begin?   Start by submitting the Digital Collection Hosting Request. This initiates an exploratory discussion where LM learns about your project, answers foundational questions, and determines whether the program is a good fit. If your organization proceeds, LM will share documentation, technical guidelines, and coordinate meetings with relevant stakeholders.

Do we need to sign anything?   Yes. All hosting partners sign a Memorandum of Agreement to formalize participation in the program.

What hosting services does LM offer? LM provides hosting and public presentation of your digital content through its CONTENTdm platform. Files uploaded to the system should be treated as presentation copies intended for long‑term access.

Who is responsible for preserving the original files? Partners are responsible for storing and preserving original or master files. LM can share contacts and resources to support your long‑term preservation planning.

What technical support is available?   LM offers:

• Technical assistance for digitization workflows
• Access to digitization kits with essential equipment and software
• Consulting and guidance on digitization best practices

More information is available on the Library of Michigan Digitization page.

What types of materials are accepted?   Collections should focus on Michigan, its people, places, culture, natural environment, wildlife, and the broader Great Lakes region. All proposed materials are reviewed to ensure they align with LM’s collection development policies.

Are there limits on file size or volume?   Yes. To manage storage and processing capacity, LM may ask partners to compress large files or convert them to more efficient formats. Discuss your project scope with LM for guidance.

Are there restrictions on file formats?   Most common digital formats are accepted, including text, images, audio, and video. If you have unusual or proprietary formats, contact LM for assistance.

Do files require special processing?   To support discovery and meet ADA requirements:

• Text‑based documents must be OCR‑processed before upload.
• Handwritten materials must include a complete transcript.

LM continues to explore tools that may help partners with this step.

Does LM provide digitization services?   LM generally cannot digitize original materials, but does offer consulting, guidance, and resources. Visit www.michigan.gov/lmdigitization for more information.

What about copyright?   Partners must assign a copyright status for each item. LM uses statements and licenses from RightsStatements.org and Creative Commons, and can help determine the appropriate option.

How will users find our collections? Your collections will be accessible in several ways:

• CONTENTdm:   Each collection is hosted in CONTENTdm and includes a customizable landing page where you can highlight key features, add descriptive text, and organize materials for easier exploration.
• LMDigital Portal:   LM highlights all hosted collections on LMDigital the Library of Michigan’s digital collections portal.
• Digital Public Library of America (DPLA):   All hosted collections are shared with the DPLA through Michigan Memories, expanding access to national and international audiences.
• Your own platforms:   Partners are welcome to link to their collections, or individual items from their own websites, catalogs, and social media channels.

How can we get help or ask additional questions?   The LM Digitization team is available to answer questions, discuss project ideas, and provide guidance throughout the process.

Contact us:   Email: lm-digitization@michigan.gov Phone: 517‑335‑1477