This project encompassed digitization of an important Hawaiian language newspaper of the nineteenth century and subsequent mounting on the World Wide Web. The project request sought funding to purchase thirty-one (31) reels of microfilm of the Hawaiian language newspaper Ka Nupepa Kuokoa and hire student assistance to scan the microfilm, process the resulting digital images, and mount the files on an existing web page.
Ka Nupepa Kuokoa was published from October 1861 through December 1927. It was the longest-running Hawaiian language newspaper. Few libraries in the State have this newspaper on microfilm but increasing numbers of individuals and educational institutions are connecting to the Web.
This project enhanced an ongoing initiative funded via IMLS to provide web-based access to microfilmed newspapers the project. The reels purchased were designated to be stored as copy masters after the scanning was completed, thereby ensuring that the archival master copies will not have to be used when replacement reels are needed, and thus preventing deterioration of the archival master whenever a replacement is produced. Electronic access will also delay the deterioration of microfilm due to heavy use, and in some cases, prevent the loss of the microfilm itself.