Article
27 November 2023
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Volume 2, Issue 1 (2023)Read More
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Article
30 August 2023
Representing Communities through Descriptive Practices in the Archives
This poster will discuss our experiences as archivists in a University Library Special Collections Department working toward creating and implementing descriptive metadata practices that are inclusive of the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented throughout collections. We will present our project decisions and specific examples of new descriptive practices and remediation steps we have taken in the past two years, in the hopes that our experiences will provide a model with recommendations for an ethical archival practice that leads to broader access of important manuscript collections.Current Articles
Most Popular Articles
Presentation
4 February 2020
Changing Collaborative Practices: Striving for More Mindful and Balanced Partnerships
Working with non-traditional partners on digitization initiatives can be full of challenges. Community partners may not have cataloging or metadata experience, they may lack funds for equipment or software necessary for digitization, they may be short staffed, and for a multitude of reasons getting buy-in for digitization projects may be difficult. As academic libraries, we often see our roles as facilitators and advisors, providing expertise where needed to help achieve the community’s digitization goals. Yet, how do we ensure collaborative efforts are beneficial for all parties? How do we ensure everyone has a seat at the table while balancing the technical workflows required in creating digital collections? Building on the concept of “radical collaboration” introduced by Nancy McGovern, director of Digital Preservation at MIT Libraries, this presentation frames a discussion around strategies for implementing inclusivity in community partnerships. This presentation also provides examples from several academic and cultural heritage organizations demonstrating successful digital collections initiatives with non-traditional and historically marginalized communities, where mindful collaboration is essential.Article
9 March 2020
New Pathways to Access: The Institution Repository and University Archives as Partners in Advancing Access to Materials
This poster shares the coordinated efforts between the Institutional Repository and the University Archives’ to work closely with university departments to enhance access to materials and support student learning. The presentation highlights several unique collections including a complete photographic and ephemera collection from the Department of Theatre, digitized Art Catalogs and Lecture Series from the University’s Stephen and Dorothea Frost Art Museum and others. We share how access to these collections have supported student learning at the University and within the South Florida community. Specifically, the Frost Art Museum Collections (https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/frostartmuseum/) showcase the University’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and bringing well known artists and exhibitions to our diverse community. Through digitized art catalogs and a collection of digitized VHS, we provide unique access to lectures by well known artists. These foundational collections have led to additional collaborations between the libraries and the various departments at FIU including the archiving of the e-magazine Inspicio, a unique multimedia magazine featuring the South Florida Arts community and the collection of 3D materials from the FIU Miami Beach Urban Studios.Article
21 April 2021
Faculty Unions: Prevailing Attitudes Among Low and High Membership Disciplines
This article explores the perceived benefits of union membership for academic librarians at a Florida public university and contrasts attitudes with the comparatively low union membership faculty at the business school. A survey conducted by librarians at Florida International University (FIU) focused on understanding why librarians joined their union at a higher rate (83% membership) than other disciplines and analyzed their feelings toward union effectiveness and relevance. Faculty in the business school were questioned about their reasons for abstaining from union membership in order to compare and contrast union attitudes. The aim of this study is twofold: to understand the differences in sentiments between the disciplines on either end of the membership spectrum and to help faculty unions understand and address these differences so as to increase their visibility and effectiveness through higher membership.Conference Proceeding
9 March 2020
e-Content in a Flash: Delivering Digital Resources to Patrons Using NFC Technology
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is a short-range, wireless communication technology that transfers data between two chips while they remain in close proximity with one another. We applied NFC technology across the library and campus in a variety of contexts to promote digital resources, collections, and services. Our @FIULibraries: Tap, Scan, Read project marries digital resources with physical objects, allowing library users to access digital materials and information in a flash. The project has evolved into a multifaceted endeavor that includes smart posters, e-resource cards, a course reserves binder, library displays, and wayfinding tools. Project details are available in our @FIULibraries: Tap, Scan, Read LibGuide (https://libguides.fiu.edu/nfc [https://libguides.fiu.edu/nfc]). With the tap of an NFC-equipped device, students can access an ebook, watch a video, or contact a librarian instantly! To enhance usability, we integrated QR codes and short URLs into the materials, which works seamlessly alongside the newer NFC technology. Thanks to the use of NFC technology, usage of our library’s resources and services in the areas incorporating this technology skyrocketed, increasing circulation and use of both our physical and digital resources. This parallels current industry trends, which encourage increased development, including an expansion of NFC capabilities throughout the Apple ecosystem. Objectives: (1) explain what Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is, (2) provide instructions on how to create NFC-enabled library resources and services, (3) demonstrate an application of NFC technology in the library setting, and (4) discuss the impact of NFC technology on usage of library resources and services. The authors have previously written about NFC technology applications for library and information science journals. They have worked on four current and completed projects using NFC technology, with several more underway, for their library. Christopher M. Jimenez manages and promotes the @FIULibraries: Tap, Scan, Read project as part of ongoing initiatives to enhance library user experience with technology. Barbara M. Sorondo was an early adopter of NFC technology for library marketing and has co-created library displays and wayfinding tools that leverage this technology.Article
27 November 2023
Representing Minority Groups and their Heritage across Access and Preservation of Unique Audio Recordings A Grant Overview
In 2021, the Florida International University (FIU) Libraries received the Recordings at Risks (R&R) grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). The funds allowed us to digitize, create metadata, and provide online access to hundreds of unique Caribbean and Latin American songs produced between 1900 and 1935 that are included in the Diaz Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection (DAC) Cassette Series. The digitized materials comprise more than 1,000 cassettes with approximately 1,200 songs, recorded originally in 78rpms by Columbia, Victor, and other historical record companies. The music represents a variety of genres and is a clear example of the life and conditions of minority groups in the region. The digitization of this collection has been essential to guarantee availability and long-term preservation. To provide more comprehensive access to these audio files, the FIU Libraries is contributing to the Discography of American Historical Recording (DAHR) at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), and the metadata will be added to the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). This article provides an overview of the most significant aspects of the R&R grant “Representing Minority Groups and Their Cultural Heritage through Access and Preservation of Unique Caribbean Musical Recordings, 1900-1935.” It discusses challenges and strategies for success, insights on material selection, copyright, and metadata initiatives.Article
30 August 2023