A Model for Surfacing Hidden Collections: The Rescuing Texas History Mini-Grant Program at The University of North Texas Libraries

The University of North Texas Libraries (UNT Libraries) have directed a digitization service called Rescuing Texas History (RTH) with the goals of helping local and state-level cultural heritage institutions and private owners digitize their materials. RTH allows UNT Libraries to develop mutually-beneficial relationships with regional organizations while preserving and providing access to a large variety of at-risk historical items in The Portal to Texas History digital repository. The model described in this paper will explain the methods and lessons learned over the years of conducting the program. RTH’s overall structure serves as a model for sustainable large-scale digitization initiatives.