My Comments on Slistopher's comment...

Reading through some blog posts, Slistopher's comment on Latasha's post "Thoughts on becoming a librarian..." stuck out: "I don’t think I will work in a library either. I came to SLIS primarily for training in archival studies, which, while related to library studies, is really a separate field. I’ve always approached archives from a historical perspective (my background–I’m biased), but I think I’ve gotten a lot out of my more library-focused classes. I still don’t know with any certainty where I think archival studies as a discipline belongs (LIS programs? History programs? By itself?), but I think I will benefit a lot from the library skills I’ve gotten at SLIS."

I wish there was a specialized program that combined History/Museum Studies/Archives/LIS. I took the only museum studies course offered at UA (in 2004) and loved it! I had a tough time deciding between a Museum Studies program and SLIS, and we all know what I ending up choosing. 

I will also say this, as much as I have loved my time in SLIS, I think it is crazy that I have not had the chance to take an archival studies course until my last semester (June 2015). There just doesn't seem to be much of an offering for those interested. Or maybe my problem is I literally want to take ALL OF THE CLASSES and don't have the time in the semesters to do so...

The Need for Control

"The need for control" as Latasha put it so perfectly in tonight's chat box.

I never thought about metadata schema creation or even librarianship in general as "the need for control" for but that is exactly what it is! These various metadata schemas that my colleagues are presenting on tonight all derived from the need for control. Controlled vocabulary, controlled data entry, controlled description, etc...

I will re-load the dishwasher "in the right way" after my husband has loaded it - "We always put the plates THIS way. Oh, and the forks always go HERE". Some call it controlling, I call it organized.

Funny thing is, I have always thought I was laid back. 

Digital Repository Screencase is LIVE

I hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend! I have uploaded my screencast for Publishers' Bindings Online to YouTube. You can find it here.

I will also be emailing everyone my handout and a link to the video as well as posting it in the Blackboard discussion. Covering all my bases :)

I really enjoyed this project, not only learning more about my own repository but everyone else's. There are so many awesome digital repositories out there and seeing the wide variety of subject matter was fascinating! Now my wheels are turning and I have a running list of ideas I would LOVE to see come to fruition regarding digital repositories. Hopefully, I will be able to be a part of some of these opportunities. :)

Abstract Element is the new Opponent Element

I have got the email last night from Dr. MacCall that the Opponent Element, now labeled as the Abstract Element is now ready for indexing! The guidelines have been updated in the wiki and I have populated the Simple Vocabulary plugin in Omeka. You should be getting an email from Dr. MacCall shortly OR he will make note of this in the wiki. If you have any questions, please let me know!

Oh and Tonya, I pronounce it "Oh-meck-a". Not sure if it is correct though. :)

Controlled Vocabulary and Content Standards Resources!

Christy's post "When Three Worlds Collide" inspired me to write this post. I understand her excitement when you stumble on something that brings it all together!

While working on my digital repository presentation, I was addressing the topic of content standards for my particular repository. Dealing with decorative book bindings from the 19th century, it is a combination of many of interests: graphic design, history, archives and art.

I discovered Getty Vocabularies provided by the Getty Research Institution after Dr. MacCall pointed me in their direction. I thought I would share a couple of resources for those of you interested in art/museum, special collections, archives librarianship. Cool stuff!

Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online (AAT): 
From Getty: "Catherine wheel or rose window? ATT is a structured vocabulary, including terms, descriptions, and theory informations for generic architecture, conservation, archaeology and other cultural heritage."

The Union List of Artist Names (ULAN):
From Getty: "Titian or Tiziano Vecellio? ULAN is a structured vocabulary, including names, biographies, related people, and other information about artists, architects, firms, studios, museums, patrons, sitters and other people involved in the creation and study of art and architecture."

The Cultural Objects Name Authority (CONA):
From Getty: "Mona Lisa or La Gioconda? CONA includes titles, attributions, depicted subjects, and other information about the works of art and architecture as derived from scholarly literature, museum collections, special collections, archives, libraries and indexing projects."

Digital Repository Presentation

I have been working on my Digital Repository Presentation this weekend. I always begin these types of projects by creating a "script" type essay covering the points I need to hit on according to the assignment specs. So far, I have had a lot of fun investigation my repository and have had only one or two questions that I address directly to Dr. MacCall.

Now I have a couple more questions that I thought I would ask my classmates. For those of you working on a digital repository, how have you tackled #6 (Have the metadata records been harvested into federated search tools...) and #7 (What software is used to house the metadata records...)?

Lucky, I discovered a grant narrative and project manual that accompanied my repository which has provided a wealth of informative information but I am having trouble determining how/if the metadata has been harvested. A quick search on DPLA showed nothing in regards to my repository.

Also, I was able to find how my repository handled the storage of the digitized images but nothing about the actual metadata. It seems like it is being stored on the servers from both institutions responsible for the project. I have also found that they utilized program such as Microsoft Access and Excel for entering in metadata records...

So, how are y'all handling this in your prep for your presentation? Any advice is appreciated.

Opponent Element Final Draft

Here it is! My final draft of my Element Guidelines for the "Opponent" Element:

Label – Abstract

Element Description – The name of the opposing team playing opposite of The University of Alabama Crimson Tide depicted in the image.

Required – Yes

Repeatable – No

Guidelines for Creation of Content – Each opponent should be listed as follows: 

Official School Name--Official Team Name

Please choose one of the opponents from the 1975 and 2009 season from the dropdown list    provided by the Simple Vocabulary plugin. If you have any questions, contact Katie.

Examples:

Auburn University--Auburn Tigers
Pennsylvania State University--Penn State Nittany Lions

_________________________________________________________________________________

A list if the opponents will appear in the Simple Vocal plugin as follows:

1. Auburn University--Auburn Tigers
2. University of Texas--Texas Longhorns
3. Clemson University--Clemson Tigers
4. Mississippi - waiting on confirmation on Ole Miss vs Miss State Debate
5. University of Missouri--Missouri Tigers
6. Pennsylvania State University--Penn State Nittany Lions
7. University of Southern Mississippi--Southern Miss Golden Eagles
8. University of Tennessee--Tennessee Volunteers
9. Texas Christian University--TCU Horned Frogs
10. University of Washington--Washington Huskies