The MBLC funded a Boston Public Library multi-year proposal (NMRLS and NELINET were partners) to study statewide digital library needs. A Steering Committee for a statewide digital library determined that a non-centralized model (using OAI harvesting protocol) was most appropriate to allow the widest participation and support. The draft guidelines allow for a number of levels of membership and participation. The Digital Commonwealth domain name was reserved and we hope to launch the project as soon as possible. The site now hosts draft governance documents, a technical white paper, and other updates: www.digitalcommonwealth.org.

The Digital Commonwealth is a new organization, designed to promote the creation of digital library resources by libraries and other cultural organizations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to provide public access to these resources.

To achieve this purpose, the Digital Commonwealth shall provide Web portal access to digital library collections in the Commonwealth, a repository for digital collections created by member organizations, and training in the creation of digital collections. The Digital Commonwealth shall also seek to establish stable funding for the creation and maintenance of digital collections by member organizations.

Call to Initial Meeting of the Digital Commonwealth Council of Members
March 30, 2006 2:00-5:00 pm at the Worcester Public Library

Agenda

2:00 pm	Keynote Address - Roy Tennant, Popular Digital Library Columnist in Library Journal and User Services Architect, California Digital Library
3:00 pm	Reports from the Steering Committee Digital Commonwealth Governance Guidelines Slate of Candidates for Officers and Executive Committee Sustainability, Funding, and Membership Fees
5:00 pm	Reception

This meeting is open to all interested parties. There is no charge to attend. Click for more information and to register online: www.digitalcommonwealth.org/.