The Boston Public Library operates Statewide Digital Services as part of our Library for the Commonwealth mission, providing Massachusetts cultural heritage institutions with comprehensive digital infrastructure through free digitization services, repository hosting, and ongoing technical support. All digitized materials are made accessible through Digital Commonwealth, our collaborative discovery platform.

Expand Access to Your Collections Through Digital Commonwealth

Digital Commonwealth serves as the gateway to digitized historical materials from libraries, museums, historical societies, and archives across Massachusetts. By participating in this collaborative platform, institutions amplify the reach and impact of their local collections while accessing sustainable digital infrastructure and preservation services.

Services Available to Massachusetts Institutions

Collection digitization:

• Free digitization services including consultation, imaging, metadata support, and project planning
• On-site assessments to help identify collections best suited for digitization

Digital repository services:

• Secure hosting for long-term preservation and access
• API for programmatic access to metadata and digital content, enabling integration with other applications and data services

Collection harvesting:

• Integration of existing digital collections into Digital Commonwealth
• Enhanced discoverability alongside materials from hundreds of statewide institutions

How to Get Services

For digitization: Apply for free digitization services from the Boston Public Library. Our team can provide consultations and make site visits to help you assess which collections are best suited for digitization.

For harvesting: Have your existing digital collections harvested for inclusion in the Digital Commonwealth repository, making them discoverable alongside materials from hundreds of institutions across the state.

Program Foundation and Sustainability

Established in 2005 with federal support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), Digital Commonwealth and Statewide Digital services are now funded through dedicated state budget allocation (line item 7000-9401), supplemented by City of Boston funding and occasional grants. This stable funding enables us to provide sustainable digital infrastructure while adapting our services to meet the evolving needs of Massachusetts cultural institutions.

Next Steps for Your Institution

Review the Digital Commonwealth collection development policy, explore digitization options and workflows, or submit an application to learn more about how Statewide Digital services can support your institution's digital goals.