VRA 2021 virtualChicago

Rachel Jaffe & Jess Waggoner, "Building User-focused Digital Collections" In this presentation, Rachel and Jess will introduce the UC Santa Cruz DAMS development team’s work on user-centered design and development. Jess will share her work in conducting user research, creating user personas and journey maps. Rachel will follow by describing how the team responded to needs that surfaced by updating the DAMS data model and rethinking how we present and contextualize digital collections material.

Devon Murphy, "Critical Metadata: Re-examining Data Transformation " Data transformation tools such as Open Refine and Tableau are increasingly being used by GLAM professionals to process metadata relating to visual collections. However, critical analysis of their usage is limited, especially in relation to critical cataloging or non-Western information protocols. This paper and related demonstration of an Open Refine workflow aims to examine how GLAM professionals can employ critical cataloging practices alongside these tools, as well as their limits. This paper will first introduce the highlighted data transformation tool, Open Refine, and its applications to cataloging/metadata work, then move to a discussion of current critical cataloging best practices. The paper will then culminate in a demonstration of a workflow combining critical cataloging best practices within data transformation, prepping it for use in a catalog, finding aid, or controlled vocabulary. (Examples can include but are not limited to LGBTQ+ artists, Native American artists and art terms).