A New Path for Materials Collections
Location
Rotunda / Garden of the Sea
Session Type
Poster
Start Date
2-5-2017 2:45 PM
End Date
2-5-2017 3:25 PM
Keywords
design materials, open source, collaboration
Abstract
Libraries supporting art, architecture, and design programs are creating collections of material samples to advance the curriculum and research of their institutions. Librarians and faculty at two academic institutions, Harvard University and Rhode Island School of Design, have been partners in a multi-year development of a shared open-source cataloging and collection management database for materials collections. Working with a database developer since 2015, we have achieved that goal. In parallel, we sought to expand our collaboration to include other partners, which inspired a consortium model. The consortium is intended to use, administer, and develop the database as well as provide a network of materials collection experts.
By utilizing and developing standards and best practices, the consortium provides a community-based approach to management of and access to materials collections. Since September 2016, the two founding partners have been using the database. Simultaneously, we have been working on the front-end discovery system, additional database functionality, creation of training documentation and shared cataloging standards, and outreach to build the consortium’s partner base.
This poster will display our work and accomplishments, showing the CollectionSpace Materials Profile that includes both the shared authority and local records; describe the database build-out and future developments; and benefits of becoming a consortium partner.
A New Path for Materials Collections
Rotunda / Garden of the Sea
Libraries supporting art, architecture, and design programs are creating collections of material samples to advance the curriculum and research of their institutions. Librarians and faculty at two academic institutions, Harvard University and Rhode Island School of Design, have been partners in a multi-year development of a shared open-source cataloging and collection management database for materials collections. Working with a database developer since 2015, we have achieved that goal. In parallel, we sought to expand our collaboration to include other partners, which inspired a consortium model. The consortium is intended to use, administer, and develop the database as well as provide a network of materials collection experts.
By utilizing and developing standards and best practices, the consortium provides a community-based approach to management of and access to materials collections. Since September 2016, the two founding partners have been using the database. Simultaneously, we have been working on the front-end discovery system, additional database functionality, creation of training documentation and shared cataloging standards, and outreach to build the consortium’s partner base.
This poster will display our work and accomplishments, showing the CollectionSpace Materials Profile that includes both the shared authority and local records; describe the database build-out and future developments; and benefits of becoming a consortium partner.