This page describes a pilot project we’re testing out at the moment to lend digitization kits out to interested heritage institutions.

Overview of the initiative

The goal of this inititiave is to assemble and share simple digitization kits with heritage institutions in Canada that contribute, or plan to contribute, to the national portal for museum collections (Artefacts Canada).

For the time being, this is a pilot project and details are subject to change as we work out the best way to manage this type of initiative.

How this initiative supports the project to modernize Artefacts Canada :

  • Access to equipment for digital projects is a crucial element of developping digital capacity, which is a core objective of this modernization;
  • Enabling the creation of digital surrogates (images) for physical collections leads to more images being contributed to the national portal;
  • More images on the portal contributes to better access to cultural heritage and a more engaging user experience for the general public.

About the digitization kits

For now, there is only one version of digitization kits available. The kit includes:

  • 1 x DSLR camera
  • 1 x 18-55mm lens and lens cap
  • 1 x Tripod stand
  • 2 x 32GB memory card
  • 1 x HDMI cable
  • 2 x Battery and charger
  • 2 x Straps (neck and wrist)
  • 1 x Carrying case

How it works

  • Any heritage institution that is eligible to contribute to Artefacts Canada can participate in this initiative.
  • Participating institutions receive a digitization kit in the mail, and keep the kit for 2-3 months to use for a digitization project.
  • The selection of objects to be digitized, as well as the work of digitizing and documenting, is the sole responsiblity of the participating institution.
  • We ask that participating institutions contribute a record (with an image) for a minimum of 50% of objects digitized using the kit.
  • The participating institution helps faciliate mailing the kit back to CHIN at the end of the loan.

Register your institution to participate

Interested in participating? Complete the following form to register your institution and CHIN will follow up with details: https://forms-formulaires.alpha.canada.ca/en/id/cmsyp41p7008i01x62c5zf1u6

What you will need to complete the form:

  • Contact information for the person at your isntitution responsible for the request;
  • Shipping address for your isntitution;
  • A statement of anticipated benefits and uses of this loan;
  • When you would like to have a kit.

Last updated: 2026-09-28