PROVO, Utah, July 15, 2013 — The State Library of Massachusetts has partnered with Backstage Library Works in retrospective conversion, reclassification, and digitization of portions of its legislative and historical collections. The agreement is helping the library to complete a major initiative in data upgrades and physical renovations to create a wide-reaching digital collection on Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts.

Some projects, because of the value, condition, or rarity of the materials, are best handled on-site at the library. That is the case with much of the State Library’s collection, so Backstage has set up shop on location providing physical reclassification, labeling, cataloging and digitizing rare and fragile manuscripts.

Backstage President, John Merrill states:

“Our folks are thrilled at the opportunity of partnering with the library staff in making these unique collections more accessible; we love the challenge of working with these kinds of materials on-site. Backstage feels especially privileged to work with the State Library in this important initiative.”

State Librarian, Albie Johnson reports:

“The State Library of Massachusetts has improved immeasurably because of the retrospective conversion, reclassification, and digital work done by Backstage Library Works.

"Thanks to our collaborative partnership with Backstage, we have already discovered many interesting items in our collections and I am looking forward to seeing what else will be discovered after the project has been completed.

"The project has proceeded smoothly through many complex and challenging stages, and a few weeks ago we reached a major milestone when the card catalog was finally removed. I believe these changes are making the library’s collections and information more accessible for our users whether they visit in person or virtually. It has given me great pride to be a part of these innovations and improvements.”

About the State Library of Massachusetts

The State Library of Massachusetts was established in 1826 to collect, deposit, and house the Commonwealth’s collections of maps, statute books, and government documents in a single central location. Since that time, the Library has grown into a multifaceted and reliable resource for legislators, executive personnel, state employees, historians, genealogists, and users from all over the world. Learn more at:

http://www.mass.gov/anf/research-and-tech/oversight-agencies/lib/

About Backstage Library Works

Backstage’s objective is to provide the most technologically advanced and efficient means for delivering professional library services. With over 25 years of experience, the company is known for its expertise in handling complex and unique projects. Backstage specializes in solutions for cataloging, authority control, digitization, preservation microfilm, and on-site needs. In providing services to more than a thousand libraries, large and small, public and private, and in locations across the globe, Backstage has cultivated an understanding of libraries, their mission, their operations, and the challenges they face. Backstage offices are located in Provo, Utah, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Contact

Richard Covington | Marketing Manager
Backstage Library Works | Provo, Utah & Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Phone: 801.356.1852 | Fax: 801.356.8220
news@bslw.com | www.bslw.com