Since 2005, the Boston Public Library has been committed to providing access to the rich cultural heritage of Massachusetts through digitization services and what has become popularly known as the Digital Commonwealth program. As a cornerstone of our Library for the Commonwealth services, Digital Commonwealth connects the public with historical materials from institutions across the state while offering Massachusetts cultural organizations free digitization, preservation, and access services.
What is Digital Commonwealth?
Digital Commonwealth is a comprehensive statewide program operated by the Boston Public Library as part of its Library for the Commonwealth services. The program consists of three core services:
- Free digitization services for Massachusetts cultural institutions
- A digital repository for preserving these materials
- A collections website for discovering historical resources from across the state
Since 2005, when BPL established its state-of-the-art imaging lab, we have been building expertise in digitization. In 2011, we began offering these services to institutions statewide. In 2014, we launched the comprehensive Digital Commonwealth repository and discovery platform, creating a unified home for Massachusetts digital cultural heritage. Today, Digital Commonwealth includes collections from hundreds of libraries, historical societies, museums, and other cultural heritage organizations throughout Massachusetts, making it one of the most significant state-level digital cultural heritage initiatives in the country.
The Digital Commonwealth program has been supported through diverse funding sources since its inception. Initially launched with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through grants from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), the program has evolved to rely on a mix of funding sources. Since 2012, Digital Commonwealth has been sustained primarily through state budget allocation (line item 7000-9401), supplemented by City of Boston funding and occasional grants. This stable funding framework ensures that these valuable services remain available at no cost to Massachusetts cultural institutions and that digital collections continue to be freely accessible to the public.
Organizational Framework
Digital Commonwealth operates within a dynamic ecosystem of Massachusetts cultural heritage organizations. Since 2005, the program has evolved through various collaborative relationships. From 2012 to 2025, this included a formal partnership with Digital Commonwealth Inc., a separate non-profit, member-supported organization focused on education and outreach to Massachusetts cultural institutions. As of 2025, these organizations operate independently to pursue their distinct missions. Throughout these changes, BPL has maintained responsibility for the core Digital Commonwealth infrastructure and services — digitization, repository management, and online collections access — as part of its Library for the Commonwealth program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How stable is Digital Commonwealth as a platform for my institution's collections?
A: Digital Commonwealth is a well-established program with stable funding through the Library for the Commonwealth and a long-term commitment from the Boston Public Library. All collections will remain accessible through the Digital Commonwealth website regardless of any organizational changes or evolutions in the broader cultural heritage landscape.
Q: Who owns the digital materials in Digital Commonwealth?
A: The contributing institutions maintain ownership of their materials. This foundational principle has been in place since Digital Commonwealth's inception and will not change.
Q: Are digitization services guaranteed to continue?
A: Yes. Free digitization services for Massachusetts cultural institutions are a core component of the Digital Commonwealth program and are supported through dedicated state funding. BPL remains fully committed to providing these services as part of its Library for the Commonwealth mandate.
Q: Does my institution need to be a member of any organization to participate in Digital Commonwealth?
A: No. Any Massachusetts cultural institution can participate in Digital Commonwealth services without membership fees or organizational affiliations. These services are provided by the Boston Public Library as part of its Library for the Commonwealth program and are available to all eligible Massachusetts institutions.
Q: How does BPL gather input from contributing institutions?
A: We employ multiple channels for partner engagement, including feedback sessions, surveys, and other community input opportunities. As our program evolves, we continue to develop new ways to ensure the voices of participating institutions help shape our services.
Get Involved
We invite all Massachusetts cultural institutions to participate in Digital Commonwealth:
- Have materials digitized: Apply for our free digitization services
- Contribute existing digital collections: Have your existing digital collections harvested for inclusion in the repository
- Explore collections: Discover the diverse cultural heritage of Massachusetts
For more information about Digital Commonwealth services or to discuss how your institution can participate, please contact us at digital@bpl.org.
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