To aid in navigating the behemoth that is the ALA Annual Conference (1797 sessions!), weâve compiled a list of sessions that intersect in some way with the digital humanities.
Thanks to all who responded to our call for suggestions, including Kristen Mapes, Abby Scheel, and Lisa McFall. Have a session youâd like us to add? Shoot us an email or find us on twitter @dhandlib.
Update, June 19: Added two Saturday sessions (“Electronic Lab Notebooks: Managing Research from Data Collection to Publication”; “New Directions for Data Visualization in Library Public Services”), two Sunday sessions (“ACRL Literatures in English Section General Membership Meeting with Panel Discussion”; “Building Gorgeous Responsive Web Sites Fast with Twitter Bootstrap”), and one Monday session (“User Experience Interest Group”).
Jump to: Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday
And, of course, be sure to join us at the ACRL Digital Humanities Interest Group meeting on Sunday at 4:30pm in the convention center, room N263.
n.b. CC = Convention Center
Friday, June 27th
Managing Local and Community-produced Born-digital Audiovisual Content [$][preconference]
TIME: 9:00am to 4:00pm
LOCATION: Caesars Palace Neopolitan II
FEE: $50
PRESENTERS: Howard Besser, Natalie Milbrodt, Siobhan Hagan, Stefan Elnabli, Steven Villereal, Yvonne Ng
DESCRIPTION: Multiple speakers will provide examples of strategies for the ingest and management of important born-digital content, illustrating reasonably achievable processes for institutions with varying collections and resources. Topics will include offering advice to content contributors (on preferred file formats, wrappers, and metadata), to file structures and metadata for maintaining a collection, to a variety of methods for providing access, to concerns about ensuring the longevity and integrity of these works.
Managing Data: Tools for Plans and Data Scrubbing [$][preconference]
TIME: 8:30am to 4:00pm
LOCATION: CC N109
FEE: $235, LITA Member; $350 ALA Member; $380 Non-Member
DESCRIPTION: As data continues to come to the fore, new tools are becoming available for librarians to assist faculty and use with their own data. This preconference would focus on the DMPTool and OpenRefine. The DMPTool will be presented to demonstrate customization features, review data management plans, best and worst practices, and writing a data plan for a data set a library may collect. OpenRefine will be demonstrated with sample data to show potential use with library data sets and more of the data lifecycle process.
Practical Linked Data with Open Source [$][preconference]
TIME: 8:30am to 4:00pm
LOCATION: CC N258
FEE: $235, LITA Member; $350 ALA Member; $380 Non-Member
PRESENTERS: Dan Scott, Galen Charlton, Jodi Schneider, Kevin Ford, Richard Urban, Richard Wallis, Silvia Southwick
DESCRIPTION: This pre-conference combines theory and practice by giving participants a working knowledge of the creation and use of linked data and linked data applications. This session will ground participants in linked data models and patterns through hands-on exercises. Participants will go home with a working knowledge of the state of the art of linked data in open source library systems and the use of linked data to solve metadata problems across libraries, archives, and museums.
Saturday, June 28th
Chief Collection Development Officers of Large Research Libraries Interest Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 8:30am to 11:30am
LOCATION: Flamingo Hotel, Room Virginia City I & II
DESCRIPTION: The program includes a 10:30am presentation by Peter Leonard on “Humanities Data Mining: Transforming Local Copies of Vendor-Digitized Cultural Material.”
GIS Discussion Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am
LOCATION: CC N101
DESCRIPTION: The GIS Discussion Group is hosted jointly with MAGIRT and GODORT. Topics of discussion will involve geospatial data from both federal agencies and private sources. A call for discussion topics will go out ahead of time to MAGIRT and GODORT members, but everyone is welcome.
International Developments in Library Linked Data: Think Globally, Act Globally – Part One [program]
TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am
LOCATION: CC N264
PRESENTERS: Theo Gerontakos [moderator], Jodi Schneider, Neil Wilson, Richard Wallis
DESCRIPTION: Libraries have the potential to make major contributions to the Semantic Web, but are still emerging as global participants. RDA implementation and the BibFrame initiative have drawn fresh attention to the promise and potential of linked data. What are the international developments in linked data, emerging from libraries and other memory institutions? Come hear our speakers address current projects, opportunities and challenges. NOTE: The program will continue with Part Two from 10:30-11:30 a.m.; it is not necessary to attend both.
Electronic Lab Notebooks: Managing Research from Data Collection to Publication [program]
TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am
LOCATION: CC N232
PRESENTERS: Kristin Bogdan, Wendy Kozlowski
DESCRIPTION: Electronic lab notebooks (ELN) are becoming an integral part of the data management services provided to researchers by academic libraries. These tools allow researchers to keep track of their labâs products throughout the research data life cycle. You will see how Yale and Cornell chose and implemented the LabArchives cloud-based electronic lab notebook, including a demonstration of the software, and how the ELN fit into their broader data management support programs.
International Developments in Library Linked Data: Think Globally, Act Globally – Part Two [program]
TIME: 10:30am to 11:30am
LOCATION: CC S230
PRESENTERS: Sarah Quimby [moderator], Gordon Dunsire, Reinhold Heuvelmann
DESCRIPTION: Libraries have the potential to make major contributions to the Semantic Web, but are still emerging as global participants. RDA implementation and the BibFrame initiative have drawn fresh attention to the promise and potential of linked data. What are the international developments in linked data, emerging from libraries and other memory institutions? Come hear our speakers address current projects, opportunities and challenges. NOTE: Part One of this program takes place from 8:30-10:00 a.m.: it is not necessary to attend both.
Batman: A Celebration of 75 Years [program]
TIME: 10:30am to 11:30am
LOCATION: CC S224
PRESENTERS: Brian Buccellato, Francis Manapul, Patrick Gleason, Peter Tomasi
DESCRIPTION: Throughout his 75 year history, the Dark Knight has become one of the most popular and widely recognized super heroes in the world. From comics to TV to movies to video games, the Worldâs Greatest Detective has permeated all entertainment mediums and beyond. Come by for a look at Batmanâs rich history and what the future holds this pop culture icon! Presented by the Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries MIG with thanks to DC Comics
Copyright Discussion Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 10:30am to 11:30am
LOCATION: CC N101
DESCRIPTION: The ACRL Copyright Discussion Group reviews and discusses legislative, judicial and regulatory developments related to copyright and libraries in higher education.
Map and Geospatial Data Collection Managers Discussion Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 10:30am to 11:30am
LOCATION: CC N120
DESCRIPTION: We look forward to a good discussion of the issues, new developments, and problems in the selection, acquisition and management of map collections.
Librarians as Digital Leaders: Collaborating on the Development and Use of Digitized Collections [program]
TIME: 10:30am to 11:30am
LOCATION: CC N252
PRESENTERS: Maura Marx
DESCRIPTION: Digitization has enormous potential to bring local history collections to a wider audience, often through academic and public library partnerships. In this session participants will hear from several successful collaborations funded through IMLS that highlight promising practices for the wider dissemination of digitized collections. Panelists will share tools they leveraged to bring their materials to researchers, students, and the general public, as well as evidence of how these collections are being used in unanticipated ways.
Libraries in the Publishing Game: New Roles from Content to Access [program]
TIME: 10:30am to 11:30am
LOCATION: CCÂ N262
PRESENTERS: Melinda Dermody [moderator], Catherine Mitchell, Cyril Oberlander, Rebecca Kennison
DESCRIPTION: Libraries have been at the receiving end of the publishing process, but things are changing for the good of libraries, authors and scholarly communication. Libraries are taking on new and innovative roles in every aspect of the publishing process. Examples of such innovation include partnering with publishers, creating content, providing author-support services and publishing an assortment of content. Hear from libraries and institutions that serve in a variety of publishing roles, affecting publishing by becoming integrated into it.
RUSA History Librarians Discussion Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
LOCATION: CC N263C
PRESENTERS: Joel Kitchens [moderator], Harriett Green, Thomas Padilla
DESCRIPTION: Panel discussion on âRole/s of Humanities Librarians in Digital Humanities.â The panel is co-sponsored by the ACRL Digital Humanities Interest Group.
OITP – Copyright Hot Topics and Big Ideas [program]
TIME: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
LOCATION: CC N256
PRESENTERS: Adam Eisgrau, Tom Lipinski, Gretchen McCord, Laura Quilter, Carrie Russell
DESCRIPTION: This panel presentation modeled after LITAâs Top Tech Trends will highlight recent copyright policy developments including copyright legislative reform and the status of the HathiTrust and Georgia State court appeals.
Taking action: Linked data for digital collection managers [program]
TIME: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
LOCATION: CC S222
PRESENTERS: Cory Lampert, Silvia Southwick
DESCRIPTION: The linked data movement has gained momentum. But how does paradigm shift affect digital collection workflows? This workshop will provide key theoretical concepts of linked data and engaging hands-on activities demonstrating how CONTENTdm metadata can be transformed into linked data. The workshop will also provide a forum to discuss how linked data might alter our current practices and workflows. This workshop is geared toward beginners and is designed for curious exploration and active learning.
New Directions for Data Visualization in Library Public Services [program]
TIME: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
LOCATION: CC S224
PRESENTERS: Angela Zoss, Josh Boyer
DESCRIPTION: A wide array of new instructional technologies have joined an increased understanding of the diversity of learning styles to foment new forms of teaching and information sharing. Data visualization is increasingly used in higher education and libraries to organize information, or provide new and innovative ways of disseminating data and learning objectives. The speakers at this event will provide further detail and background on the topic of data visualization, as well as examples of their use in various projects and settings.
Digital Special Collections Discussion Group (ACRL RBMS) [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 3:00pm to 4:00pm
LOCATION: CC N115
DESCRIPTION: As special collections transition from considering digitization as a project to considering it as a fundamental part of operations, resourcing considerations become much more complex. To solve this issue, many departments are seeking new collaborations. The 2014 ALA Annual Digital Special Collections discussion group will focus on building relationships with non-special collections personnel and departments to support digitization programs.
Preservation Metadata Interest Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 3:00pm to 4:00pm
LOCATION: CC S232
PRESENTERS: Cal Lee, Jarrett M. Drake, Rebecca Russell, Amanda Focke
DESCRIPTION: The program will feature a presentation by BitCurator PI Cal Lee, followed by lightning talks by BitCurator users at Princeton and Rice and Q&A.
Metadata Beyond the Library: Consultation and Collaboration with Faculty, Staff and Students [program]
TIME: 4:30pm to 5:30pm
LOCATION: CC N253
PRESENTERS: Jason Kovari, Lisa McFall
DESCRIPTION: This program will discuss ways in which metadata experts can share expertise beyond traditional library settings. Presenters will share examples of successful metadata consulting initiatives with their constituent communities, such as training sessions, workshops, boot camps, and other venues for deploying metadata expertise outside the library. McFall’s presentation will focus on the role of metadata and catalog librarians in digital humanities.
ACRL’s Women & Gender Studies Section Forum [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 4:30pm to 5:30pm
LOCATION: CC N115
DESCRIPTION: General Membership forum meeting for ACRL’s Women & Gender Studies Section. The WGSS sponsored research poster sessions immediately follow the membership forum.
Sunday, June 29th
Digital Preservation Interest Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am
LOCATION: CC S226
Linked Library Data Interest Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am
LOCATION: CC N237
PRESENTERS: Jon Phipps
DESCRIPTION: Phipps will present a talk entitled “RDA and LOD — FTW or WTF? : A Fair and Balanced Point of View.” Is RDA just âthe rulesâ or is it a robust bibliographic metadata model designed specifically to support rich, FRBRized, distributed LOD that just happens to come with several thousand âpagesâ of rules? Whatâs this âunconstrainedâ stuff? Why does RDA RDF have URIs I canât âreadâ and will never remember (and what are lexical aliases)? Why are there so many definitions for âWorkâ anyway? How is RDA handling versioning and releases? How is RDA using Git and GitHub? Why does any of this matter to my data and, more importantly, me?
Building Gorgeous Responsive Web Sites Fast with Twitter Bootstrap [program]
TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am
LOCATION: CC S227
PRESENTER: Andromeda Yelton
DESCRIPTION: Do you have a web site? Do you need it to look good, even if you’re not a designer? Do you need it to work on lots of devices and browsers, even if you have no testing budget? Of course you do! With Twitter Bootstrap, you win. In this hands-on session (bring a laptop if you can) we’ll build a gorgeous web site fast with the Bootstrap framework. (Basic HTML/CSS knowledge required.)
Understanding Schema.org [program]
TIME: 10:30am to 11:30am
LOCATION: CC S230
PRESENTERS: Dan Scott
DESCRIPTION: Schema.org is an effort among major search engines to promote better linking of Web content through the use of metadata attributes in HTML markup, allowing for improved access to digital objects. The ALCTS/LITA Metadata Standards Committee invites you to hear speakers who are active in schema.org development in libraries, and who will discuss initiatives in this area within the GLAM community which promote a broader understanding of the development of bibliographic information among these communities.
Digital Curation Interest Group Meeting [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
LOCATION: CC N236
PRESENTERS: Lydia Zvyagintseva, Trevor Muñoz
DESCRIPTION: Join the Digital Curation Interest Group for “Data Curation You Can Taste: Improving Crowd-Sourced Data from the New York Public Library’s Menu Transcription Project.” The New York Public Library’s “What’s On the Menu?” projectâa crowdsourced effort to transcribe historic menus from the Library’s collectionsâis one of the most successful public digital humanities projects of recent years. In this presentation, Lydia Zvyagintseva will describe her experience trying to clean up, classify, and describe data from “Whatâs on the Menu?” in the context of an internship project at the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities (MITH). Trevor Muñoz will describe why the Menus data set is an ideal site for practical data curation training. Muñoz will also describe new work on the project. The DCIG business meeting will follow the presentation.
ACRL Literatures in English Section General Membership Meeting with Panel DiscussionÂ
TIME: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
LOCATION: Bally’s Bronze 3
PRESENTERS: Jennifer Bartlett, Angela Courtney, Steven Harris, Rob Melton
DESCRIPTION: Please join us at the LES General Membership Meeting for an exciting panel discussion about the career paths of literature librarians. As literature librarians our careers may take many different shapes. Our panelists will talk about how their careers developed, the influences that brought them to literature librarianship, the paths they took to a variety of roles including work in special collections and archives, digital humanities, management and administration and more. If you are new to the profession or looking for ways and means to refresh your career this will be an excellent opportunity to explore career options.
The panel will follow comments from LES Chair Arianne Hartsell-Gundy and Chair-elect Laura Taddeo about recent and forthcoming LES achievements and initiatives, and Sarah Wenzel will report on our liaison activities with MLA.
Digital Humanities Interest Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 4:30pm to 5:30pm
LOCATION: CC N263
DESCRIPTION: Conversations between librarians involved with, or sharing interests in, the intersections, partnerships, and collaborations among libraries, librarians, and the digital humanities.
Monday, June 30th
Digital Humanities and Academic Libraries: Practice and Theory, Power and Privilege [program]
TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am
LOCATION: CC N252
PRESENTERS: Elvia Arroyo-Ramirez, Jane Nichols, Megan Wacha, Roxanne Shirazi
DESCRIPTION: Our panel explores the multiple roles libraries play in digital humanities. Librariansâ capacity to engage critically with the production, consumption, and pedagogy of digital humanities increases our ability to partner with and be valued by our campuses. Whether we see ourselves in a service or a scholar role, we are providing leadership for digital humanities. Our goal is to foster lively discussion about practical and theoretical concerns, and offer conceptual tools.
Information Manipulation Part II: Surveillance [program]
TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am
LOCATION: CC N243
PRESENTERS: Thomas Susman, George Christian, Vivian R. Wynn
DESCRIPTION: What does the collection and retention of bulk phone records and other personal information mean for the public and for our library users? Is personal information and Internet access being managed and manipulated by the government and/private companies?
User Experience Interest Group [discussion/interest group]
TIME: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
LOCATION: CC N242
Note: all speaker lists and descriptions have been pulled from ALAConnect or from emails distributed to listservs.