--- title: "Converting Digitized Newspapers to METS ALTO: Is It Possible?" description: Learn how to convert existing digitized newspapers to METS ALTO metadata standards for enhanced accessibility and longevity across platforms. image: https://veridiansoftware.com/hubfs/VeridianSoftware_July2025/images/Process-diagram.png --- - [![facebook](https://veridiansoftware.com/hubfs/VeridianSoftware_July2025/images/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/VeridianSoftware) - [![linkedin](https://veridiansoftware.com/hubfs/VeridianSoftware_July2025/images/linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/dlconsulting-veridian-software) --- [![Veridian](https://veridiansoftware.com/hubfs/VeridianSoftware_July2025/images/veridian-logo.svg "Veridian")](https://veridiansoftware.com) - [About](https://veridiansoftware.com/about) - [Accessibility](https://veridiansoftware.com/accessibility-statement-conformance-report) - [Services](https://veridiansoftware.com/services) - [Scanning](https://veridiansoftware.com/services/scanning) - [Data Conversion](https://veridiansoftware.com/services/data-conversion) - [Presentation Software](https://veridiansoftware.com/services/presentation-software) - [Projects](https://veridiansoftware.com/collections) - Knowledge Base - [Articles & Case Studies](https://veridiansoftware.com/knowledge-base) - [Archival Metadata Standards | Guide](https://veridiansoftware.com/archival-metadata-standards-guide) - [WCAG and Accessibility | Guide](https://veridiansoftware.com/wcag-accessibility-compliance-guide-acr-vpat-for-libraries-archives) - [Contact](https://veridiansoftware.com/contact) - - - - # Converting Digitized Newspapers to METS ALTO: Is It Possible? # Converting Digitized Newspapers to METS ALTO: Is It Possible? November 29, 2024 [Digitization & Preservation](https://veridiansoftware.com/knowledge-base/tag/digitization-preservation) [Metadata & Standards](https://veridiansoftware.com/knowledge-base/tag/metadata-standards) [Collection Management](https://veridiansoftware.com/knowledge-base/tag/collection-management) If your digitized newspapers are to be used and shared across platforms and survive into the future it is important to choose the most appropriate standards and best practices.  A large number of different formats, standards, and workflows are still used by newspaper digitization projects. They include well-known formats like PDF, as well as formats modelled around the requirements of specific access/hosting software, like CONTENTdm or the PR XML format used by Olive Software. Since about 2007 quite clear metadata standards and best practices for newspaper digitization have emerged, namely - METS-Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard, - ALTO-Analyzed Layout and Text Object, and  - Associated high-resolution images. These standards have been adopted by the [National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP)](http://www.loc.gov/ndnp/) in North America, the [IMPACT project](http://www.digitisation.eu/) in Europe, and many others. If you are planning a newspaper digitization project we strongly encourage you to use [METS/ALTO](https://veridiansoftware.com/knowledge-base/metsalto) and the related standards and workflows.  > Related reading: [Practical Guide to Archival Metadata Standards](https://veridiansoftware.com/archival-metadata-standards-guide)   ### But what if I’ve already digitized my newspapers to a different format? In many cases we can help migrate existing collections from formats like PDF or PR XML to METS/ALTO. If you have an existing digitized newspaper collection and would like to discuss migrating to METS/ALTO please [contact us](https://veridiansoftware.com/contact). ### Related reading - [Digitize and Engage: Transforming Historic Collections with Veridian](https://veridiansoftware.com/knowledge-base/veridian-services) — Veridian software and services make it easy to digitize and provide online access to historic... - [Catholic News Archive Recognised by ACRL Choice Reviews](https://veridiansoftware.com/knowledge-base/catholic-news-archive-recognised-by-acrl-choice-reviews) — The Catholic News Archive, powered by Veridian, has been named an Outstanding Academic Title of... - [Integrating WordPress with Veridian: Managing Editorial Content in Digital Collections](https://veridiansoftware.com/knowledge-base/integrating-wordpress-with-veridian-managing-editorial-content-in-digital-collections) — Discover how Veridian can integrate with WordPress to give libraries and cultural heritage... ## Our newsletter Keep up with digitization best practices, case studies, Veridian feature updates and more. 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