The Boston Public Library proudly operates the Digital Commonwealth program as part of its Library for the Commonwealth services. This statewide initiative brings together cultural heritage collections from institutions across Massachusetts by offering multiple complementary services:

• Free digitization of historical materials for Massachusetts cultural institutions
• A comprehensive digital repository for preserving these materials
• An engaging collections website for exploring the state's diverse collections and historical resources

We welcome Massachusetts cultural institutions to participate in two ways:

• 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.

• 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.

For information about the collection types that may be contributed, see the collection development policy.

Established in 2005 and originally supported with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), the Digital Commonwealth program is now funded through state budget allocation (line item 7000-9401).

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so does the Digital Commonwealth program. We're committed to growing alongside the changing needs of cultural institutions in Massachusetts, exploring new ways to preserve and enhance access to collections and historical records from across the state.