35mm still image formats are some of the most abundant photographic film types in cultural heritage collections. However, their special handling needs coupled with high resolution digital capture requirements have traditionally posed logistical constraints with regard to the formats' digitization at scale. Through the use of a programmable X-Y table camera capture system, both slide and strip 35mm photographic film can be digitized in an automated fashion following Federal Agencies Digitization Guidelines (FADGI).
With the potential of digitization as an alternative form of donation, institutions must more often weigh the importance of physically owning an object versus only digitally capturing that object. This post-custodial approach may run counter to some library donation prerequisites and traditional collection development policies, instead focusing on the cultural and intellectual benefits that such a compromise may bring. This approach is not without potential obstacles, including issues of copyright, ownership, and reproductions. However, this paper aims to reinforce the benefits of the post-custodial model through the evolution of the Odin Oyen digital collection – a collection comprised of physical materials owned by public and private entities reunited through digitization for the purpose of preserving local and cultural heritage.