How to Contribute Your Collections
Depending on your institution's digital infrastructure and needs, materials can be made available through Digital Commonwealth using either hosted or harvested collection models.
Hosted Collections
For institutions seeking comprehensive digital repository services
If your institution lacks digital repository infrastructure or prefers to focus resources on collection development rather than technical systems management, BPL can host your digital materials in our repository system. This service provides complete digital collection management, including secure storage, preservation-quality file management, public access interfaces, and ongoing technical maintenance.
Harvested Collections
For institutions with existing digital repository systems
If your institution already hosts digital collections in your own repository system and can provide metadata through standard protocols, we can harvest your collection information to make it discoverable alongside materials from across Massachusetts while maintaining your existing technical infrastructure.
To request hosted or harvested services, complete the Boston Public Library/Digital Commonwealth Digitization Request Form and Service Agreement. Our team will work with you to determine the best approach for your materials and institutional capacity.
For detailed information about eligible materials and collection criteria, see the collection development policy.
BPL's digital repository system provides comprehensive hosting for institutions that need complete digital infrastructure support. This service is available to any Massachusetts library, museum, historical society, archives, or other cultural heritage institution.
What We Provide
- Secure, preservation-quality digital storage and management
- Public search and discovery interfaces
- Technical infrastructure and ongoing system maintenance
- Metadata support and guidance
- Integration with broader digital library networks
Requirements for Hosted Collections
- Materials must meet criteria outlined in the collection development policy
- Basic metadata records must accompany submitted materials (we can provide guidance and support for metadata creation or enhancement)
After Review and Ingest
All hosted materials become searchable through the Digital Commonwealth website and are included in the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), expanding discoverability for researchers nationwide. Metadata records are made available under Creative Commons CC0 license to support open scholarship and research.