Busy, busy, busy

Taking two classes this semester is extremely challenging. I have wanted to improve my time management skills, and taking these two classes is forcing me to do that since I am working full-time in addition to taking these 2 classes. I think the pacing so far is good with both classes - the workload is challenging, but not too much in terms of quantity.

The main obstacle I have had is that I have spent a week trying to get the file transfer with WinSCP to work. After installing server after server, hoping that with the next installation I could catch what I missed previously, I spent too much time focusing on that, and less time focusing on what I could complete in a timely manner in Unit 3. As a result, I am afraid that I will have another late assignment, because my time management has not been the best.

Again, I think if all goes well, there isn't as much of an issue with getting things done - but if there are any unexpected challenges on the technical side, you have to be really careful about how you keep up and solve the problem.

Content & Change Management

I read "CMS/CMS: content management system/change management strategies" by Goodwin et al published in Library Hi Tech (24:1) 2006. This article was of interest to me as my institution is in the midst of implementing a commercial content management system for the institution. Many of the observations and suggestions were very familiar to me. We have found similar things at my own institution - the conflict between various departments as focus and priorities shift (the "we're more important than they are" mentality); the constant bogging down in the minutia rather than looking at the big picture; and letting progress suffer or become impossible because of an inability to take action.

To remedy this situation, at my institution we now have a position that coordinates all of the digital projects within the institution. This person has seen the inaction occur over and over, and has come up with some good work patterns for the various decision-making groups (committees). Take for example, a committee that I am currently on to address how to best manage our own digitally-created materials. The committee has 20+ people on it, but it is divided into two groups - the creators and the descriptive practictioners. In order to eliminate the "but my job is more important because...." and the inevitable endless discussion of "this is how we do it and that's that...." - the creators sent in their "list of wants" for the final project, which have been reviewed by the practicioners and the creators will be interviewed by the practicioner group to have processes and procedures evaluated from a distance to get an accurate view of the big picture.

I always thought this was a wise way to approach things in what I thought was a unique environment. However, it seems that other institutions face similar staff, personality, and department challenges. The authors made very good suggestions and have identified the same challenges that we have at my institution. It's nice to see that we aren't the only ones going through this!

At this time of transition, we are all learning how to best manage digital and print information. To do so effectively, requires adaptability and an open mind to actively address the challenges. The Goodwin et al article is a great tool to get that dialogue started.

A digital collection

I have compiled a series of items for my digital collection which includes scanned documents, scanned photographs, word files, a powerpoint presentation, sound files (.wav) and moving images (.mov) files. I might add a PDF-A file later this week, since it just occurred to me that it would be a good thing to try out as well. The collection is comprised of items from my place of employment, and all the items focus on 20th century Virginia history. With the exception of the sound and moving image files, the materials are related to prohibition in Virginia (1916-1934). The sound and moving image files are from other collections at my institution - and were included to create a realistic scenario of the variety of materials that are often found in government records. Considering that the sound and moving image files are from a different collection (not Prohibition), description of these items within context will definitely vary, unless I create a general "20th century Virginia" collection. This collection (either created together as it is for this project) or as grouped by subject (Prohibition in Virginia; 20th century Virginia political campaigns) are of interest to those researching: 20th century culture in Virginia; moral legislation; Prohibition; politics in the American South; media in politics and political movements; and other topics. In thinking of key terms, I can't quite escape from the LCSH and the Art and Architecture thesaurus and have the following floating in my head: Virginia; Politicians and Politics; Prohibition; 20th century; speeches; sound recordings; etc.

I don't know how this mix of materials will work out, but it should be interesting to see what the various environments can accommodate. The collection I have compiled was assembled in order to truly test what these programs can do and see what might work for some projects that are going on at my place of employment. I can't wait to get started!

Another semester begins

So, after a brief break, classes have started again. This blog will continue with postings from the Fall semester.