Creating a Digital Library of Three-Dimensional Objects in CONTENTdm

Purpose – This paper aims to describe a project conducted by the University of Oklahoma Libraries to create a digital collection consisting of three-dimensional scientific objects. Design/methodology/approach – The University of Oklahoma Libraries developed the following methodology for creating a digital collection of three-dimensional objects. Digital still photographs of six sides of each object where created. These photographs were then used to create videos that emphasized the most interesting feature on each side of the object. These videos were then imported into CONTENTdm using the picture cube feature to create the digital representation of the three-dimensional object. Findings – This method was found to be a good method for representing three-dimensional objects in a two-dimensional format for inclusion in a digital collection. However, some limitations were encountered. For example, only one interesting feature could be emphasized on each side of the object and the software used to create the digital videos, while easy to use, offered only limited features for enhancing the resulting videos. Practical implications – This paper demonstrates a cost effective and resource efficient method of implementing a digital collection of three-dimensional objects that could be further improved through the use of more advanced video creation software. Originality/value – This paper offers insight into a new way of representing three-dimensional objects in a digital library. This information will be useful to digital librarians faced with resource and cost constraints who have collections of three-dimensional physical objects that would be of interest to their user community.