Digital Research For Libraries: Jisc Project Announced

Hey everyone! I'm super excited to share some fantastic news about a new project that's kicking off, thanks to funding from Jisc. This project, titled "Enabling library and archive participation in digital research co-learning communities," is all about empowering library and archive professionals to dive into the world of digital research. We're talking about a program designed to have these pros working hand-in-hand to create fresh learning materials focused on computational processing, discovery, and analysis of digital collections. This is a game-changer, guys, because it means more people getting the skills they need to navigate the digital landscape.

Project Overview

Our main goal is to empower library and archive professionals in digital research, which is super important in today's world. This project is designed to boost their skills and knowledge in areas like computational processing, discovery, and analysis of digital collections. To achieve this goal, we've laid out a detailed plan with several key steps. This will culminate in the co-production of new learning materials, making it a collaborative effort that benefits everyone involved. This is a hands-on approach to learning, ensuring that the materials are not only informative but also practical and relevant. We're talking about real-world skills that can be immediately applied in their respective roles. The collaborative nature of this project is what makes it truly special, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. By working together, library and archive professionals can leverage their diverse experiences and expertise to create resources that are both comprehensive and accessible. This project isn't just about learning new technologies; it's about building a community of practice that can sustain itself long after the project's completion.

Key Project Deliverables

To make this happen, we've got a series of deliverables lined up, each designed to build on the last and create a comprehensive learning experience. Think of it as a step-by-step guide to becoming a digital research whiz! We're kicking things off with a call for participants in October, which is super exciting because it means we're getting the ball rolling. We want to get as many talented and enthusiastic people involved as possible. This is your chance to be part of something big and contribute to the future of digital research in libraries and archives. Following that, in December, we'll have orientation sessions on writing effective and sustainable tutorials. It is designed to help participants craft high-quality learning materials that will stand the test of time. We'll cover everything from structuring your content to making it engaging and accessible for a wide audience. These sessions are crucial for ensuring that the tutorials created are not only informative but also easy to use and maintain. Then, from January to March, we're hosting bootcamps where library and archive professionals can team up with digital humanities researchers to develop learning materials. This is where the magic happens, folks, as you get to work side-by-side with experts in the field. These bootcamps will be intensive, hands-on sessions where you'll learn by doing, and you'll have the support and guidance you need to bring your ideas to life. In April and May, we'll have community workshops where authors can test out their tutorials. This is a fantastic opportunity to get feedback from your peers and make sure your materials are hitting the mark. These workshops are a vital part of the development process, allowing for iterative improvements and ensuring that the final product is as polished as possible. Finally, by the end of July, we'll have new publications in draft form. This is the culmination of all the hard work, and we're aiming to publish these tutorials in a reputable journal, like EN. But even if that doesn't pan out, we've got a backup plan to support the publication of these tutorials as grey literature, so your work will definitely see the light of day.

Project Timeline

Let's break down the timeline a bit more so you know what to expect. Remember, this is a rough roadmap, and things might shift slightly, but this gives you a good overview of how the project will unfold:

• October: Call for participants – Get ready to sign up and join the fun!
• December: Orientation sessions on writing effective and sustainable tutorials – Time to hone those tutorial-writing skills.
• January-March: Bootcamps for developing learning materials with digital humanities researchers – Hands-on collaboration and learning at its finest.
• April-May: Community workshops for testing tutorials – Get feedback and refine your work.
• End of July: New publications in draft form – Celebrate your achievements and see your work come to life.

Who's Involved?

This project is a team effort, and we've got some amazing people on board. The project will be led by the one and only @anisa-hawes, who brings a ton of experience and passion to the table. Big shoutouts also go to @hawc2 and @rivaquiroga for their invaluable support in drafting the initial proposal. These folks are the backbone of the project, and they're dedicated to making it a success. It's a collaborative effort, and we're all working together to make this a fantastic experience for everyone involved. We believe that the best projects are those where everyone feels valued and can contribute their unique skills and perspectives.

Full Details and Further Information

For all the nitty-gritty details, you can check out the full project document here. It's got everything you need to know, from the project's goals and objectives to the specific activities and timelines. Give it a read to get a comprehensive understanding of what we're aiming to achieve. We want to be as transparent as possible, so feel free to dive into the details and see how you can get involved. If you have any questions after reading the document, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help and excited to have you on board.

Stay Tuned for Updates!

I'll be updating this ticket as soon as the start date is confirmed and the project officially kicks off. So, keep an eye out for more news and how you can get involved. We're really excited about this project, and we think it's going to make a big difference in empowering libraries and archives in the digital research landscape. This is a chance to be part of something innovative and impactful, and we can't wait to see what we can accomplish together. The possibilities are endless, and we're committed to making this a valuable experience for everyone involved. Stay tuned, everyone, because the adventure is about to begin!