Cory K. Lampert

Leading to Linking: Introducing Linked Data to Academic Library Digital Collections

This article introduces the concepts of linked data within the context of digital collections, outlines the rationale for beginning work in linked data for digital collections, provides an overview of a focused linked data project, discusses technologies adopted for transforming metadata into linked data, and reports lessons learned to date.

Preparing Controlled Vocabularies for Linked Data: Benefits and Challenges

Linked open data is poised to fundamentally change metadata design and development and specifically has important implications for controlled vocabularies. In particular, Person/Agent vocabularies are key to linking data, but present complex issues in verification and maintenance. For linked open data to be more widely adopted, practical approaches to data management and transitioning from metadata to triples needs to be explored in detail. This paper presents a case study of controlled vocabulary cleanup with practical advice on managing the cost of data cleanup while leveraging the value added and benefits gained through the process.

Metadata dictionary database: A proposed tool for academic library metadata management

This article proposes a metadata dictionary (MDD) be used as a tool for metadata management. The MDD is a repository of critical data necessary for managing metadata to create “shareable” digital collections. An operational definition of metadata management is provided. The authors explore activities involved in metadata management in organizational settings and indicate how the MDD can support these activities. A detailed discussion of the metadata dictionary and its structure, benefits and challenges is provided.

dmBridge: Building a collaborative solution for streamlined digital library design and development

Purpose – Development of library digital initiatives increasingly requires integration of new technologies and collaboration between staff to accomplish specialized responsibilities. Yet, as responsibilities have evolved, the software tools used to fulfill them have largely failed to keep pace. This paper aims to show how UNLV Libraries overcame these challenges by developing a collaborative workflow model in a team with mixed technical skills. Design/methodology/approach – The paper offers a case study of one librarys effort to transform inefficient web development processes in the digital library unit into an agile, collaborative team workflow through the development of a tool (dmBridge) that helps to reduce redundancies and encourage cooperation in the digital library design process. Findings – dmBridge came about in response to the growing necessity to create a sustainable digital library workflow within a framework capable of accommodating advanced customizability and relatively simple web development for CONTENTdm digital collections. Practical implications – As libraries seek to extend technology and digitization partnerships and cultivate successful grant funding, the authors demonstrate how development of tools like dmBridge can deliver an improved user experience, boost project efficiency, and support the strategic goals of the institution. Originality/value – dmBridge fills a need for a more modern, feature‐rich, customizable digital collections framework. In doing so, it has brought about a considerable transformation in digitization projects workflow and resource provisioning.

Ramping up: Evaluating large-scale digitization potential with small-scale resources

Purpose Digital library managers are faced with growing pressure to digitize materials efficiently on a larger scale. This paper aims to address the staffing and other resources needed to evolve smaller scope operations into teams capable of outputting larger-scale production. Design/methodology/approach Much of the current literature focuses on philosophy of these projects and issues of metadata and user access. In contrast, this article seeks to supply the much-needed practical information for digital library managers who need to take immediate action to meet new mandates and reach higher target goals within the constraints of limited resources. Findings The author will provide an overview of resources needed to increase digitization output and provide an analysis of three key resources that can be targeted by digital library managers in a range of environments. These resources will be examined with practical advice given on how new staffing configurations, outsourcing of materials and high-efficiency equipment can be implemented in phases. Originality/value This paper examines the gap between smaller-scale digitization and successful large-scale projects, and offers several possible scenarios for organizations to consider as they choose to move forward in a way that suits their goals. The focus of this study is neither on the rationale for large-scale digitization nor on the detailed specifications for large-scale digitization workflows. Rather, it will outline the types of resources (internal and external), decision points and specific practical strategies for digital library managers seeking to start ramping up the production.

Explorations of a Very-large-screen Digital Library Interface

While digital libraries accommodate remote access via the web and mobile devices, their physical presence tends to be minuscule. A locally-developed prototype digital library application called DLib Wall, connected to MultiTaction display hardware from MultiTouch Ltd., is an attempt to create a rich and engaging onsite presence for the digital collections of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Libraries. DLib Wall is one of the first applications of its kind, and demonstrates several relatively unexplored interaction modalities. In late 2014, it was deployed in the Goldfield Room — a conference room in the Lied Library — on a wall-mounted array of six 42-inch touch displays. DLib Wall represents both application development and the work of a collaborative team charged with creating a large, interactive, and content-rich media wall experience on a limited resource budget. The groups work included: evaluating and recommending technologies, managing the custom development for the DLib Wall application, and creating an initial content plan for the public rollout. This article highlights the technical aspects of the application while sharing key decision points that the team encountered in the process of bringing the project from conception to completion.