ContentDM

= CONTENTdm = toc
 * CONTENTdm** is digital collection management software that allows for the upload, description, management and access of digital collections via the internet. It is Unicode and Z39.50 compatible. CONTENTdm can handle documents, PDFs, finding aids (including Encoded Archival Description or EAD), images, videos, and audio files. It can also handle content so that multipage documents, scores, or books can be uploaded and organized into chapters, books or by page number. CONTENTdm is also able to display six-sided, multidimensional objects. It is mostly used by universities, libraries, archives, museums, government agencies and historical societies.

**Creation**
CONTENTdm was originally conceived by CISO, The Center for Information Systems Optimization, at the University of Washington, in 1999. In 2001, DiMeMa (Digital Media Management, Inc.) was formed to support the increasing user community and to accelerate product development. After extensive field testing, the software was made available outside of the University of Washington. It was named CONTENTdm Digital Collection Management Software. The name is not an acronym, //CONTENT// is capitalized to distinguish the software from items in a digital collection. The letters //dm// stand for digital management. Since CONTENTdm grew collaboratively based on feedback from users, the goal was to design CONTENTdm to be easy to use and powerful. In 2006 OCLC acquired DiMeMa. CONTENTdm has evolved into a digital collection management solution that offers scalable tools for archiving collections of any size. More than 2,000 libraries, archives, museums and other cultural heritage organizations worldwide use CONTENTdm software.

Overview
CONTENTdm is a single software solution that handles the storage, management and delivery of your library’s digital collections to the Web by providing you with:
 * **A Windows-based, digital collection tool** where data and digital items are prepared in large batches
 * **A server** where data and images are stored and can be edited
 * **A Web-based discovery interface optimized for customization**
 * **A self-service tool** to upload the metadata of your digital content to WorldCat using the Digital Collection Gateway
 * **Integration with OCLC products** for building collections with cataloging workflows, as well as the option of harvesting from the Web sites and adding long-term preservation

How CONTENTdm works Your digital collections reside on a CONTENTdm Server, either installed locally or on an OCLC-hosted server. Digital items can be added from anywhere using:
 * 1) the CONTENTdm Project Client, which can be distributed among staff and collaborating partners,
 * 2) the Connexion client using Connexion digital import,
 * 3) a Web browser using a simple Web form,
 * 4) the CONTENTdm Flex Loader for newspapers, or
 * 5) the CONTENTdm Catcher web service for batch editing metadata.

Your digital collections can be searched via the Web using standard Web browsers by any number of end users, unless you choose to restrict access. With its ability to handle any file type, CONTENTdm can serve as a repository to bring collections together into a cohesive and accessible Web-based environment. For organizations seeking opportunities for broader collaboration in developing and sharing collections, the Multi-Site Server is an option for cross-collection searching on multiple servers.
 * Create your digital collections by adding digital items and data using a Windows-based, digital collection tool—the CONTENTdm Project Client**
 * Administer and edit collections using the Web-based, CONTENTdm Administration interface**
 * With the CONTENTdm Website Configuration Tool, you can easily apply a branded look and feel to your website with text, fonts, colors, styles, logo and custom headers. There are also settings for discoverability, viewer behavior, searching and results, and more.**

**References**
[|OCLC's CONTENTdm Website] [|Worldcat Digital Collection Gateway]