Digitizing special collections: to boldly go where we've been before

Purpose Aims to present issues related to digitization in the context of the historical role and purpose of academic special collections. Design/methodology/approach Presents a comparison of current issues related to digitization to historical issues related to the management of traditional print special collections. Findings The current issues are not new. Technology has not dramatically altered the role of special collections in academic libraries. Research limitations/implications Based on personal observation and experience and an awareness of issues, but essentially a personal viewpoint. Practical implications May provide non‐special collections librarians with a better understanding of, or different perspective on, the popular notion of “digitizing special collections” and of special collections historically and generally. Originality/value This is the viewpoint of an experienced head of special collections, a trained academic historian, and someone who has been involved in a number of digital projects.