SPEC Kit 326: Digital Humanities · 45
Projects generally come to Head, Digital Initiatives. Each project is “costed out” as much as possible in conjunction
with our Systems Department. Then it is presented to the Dean’s Advisory Group (DAG) for final approval. Occasionally,
projects will come directly from DAG.
Proposals come in via a web form evaluated by a library committee.
The library has a steering committee and proposal process for internal digitization activities and that structure informs
the process of undertaking a digital humanities project but there is no direct formal process for deciding on such
projects. Often they run on a timeframe that cannot accommodate going through a formal approval process (e.g.,
upcoming grant deadline) but the internal library process helps ensure the right questions are asked and people
consulted.
The Library Technology Council, made up of key administrators and the chairs of key committees related to digital library
work (in general, beyond just the humanities) accepts and vets proposals. This iteration of the model is new in the last
year and is still under development.
There is a formal pipeline administered by the campus steering group for digital research in humanities, arts and
architecture, social and information sciences, of which the library is a part. Within the library, there is a project pipeline
administered by the Digital Library Program. There are also less formal means by which projects can come to the
attention of the library and receive support.
There is a formal process for all digital projects, including digital humanities projects.
There is a formal process for reviewing and awarding seed grant funds. We also informally consult and allocate some
resources directly as the Libraries.
This is developing, but we have an online form that subject and Special Collections librarians will fill out in an interview
with faculty, but also that is available for internal library digital projects. This is viewed more as a “communication tool”
to help inform faculty about aspects of developing digital projects, and raise concerns, i.e., with digital projects using
in-copyright material.
We have a form for faculty to submit with detailed questions about project proposals it is used to get an idea of what
types of projects people would like to do with us. Most of these are in the digital humanities, but the form is not specific
to this domain. After a faculty member fills out the form, we have an internal discussion to decide whether we can
commit to supporting the project or not.
Additional Comments
Dependent on support being requested and potential sources of funding, there may be a variety of processes that apply.
There are various library committees that are working to identify project priorities, financial and equipment needs, and
possible sources of funding to pursue for such projects. These committees have drafted their own mission statements
and policies. They are not yet ready for public consumption.
This is currently under review.
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