Synopses & Reviews
Technology is already ubiquitous in the lives of our newest generation of academic library users. Library technology, often based on vendor products, cannot integrate user-friendly research and organization products like Google Scholar, social networking sites, del.icio.us, and flickr, into their search algorhythms, leaving valuable and expensive library resources potentially unused. This problem becomes particularly acute in the Special Collections setting, where we must balance the safety and preservation of our materials with accessibility.^L^LIn response, Whittaker and Thomas propose the use of Web 2.0 applications and related technologies in the creation, promotion, and management of special collections resources, particularly as a means of reaching new audiences. Beginning chapters focus on how specific technologies--such as wikis, blogs, social networking, and photosharing sites-act as gateways to special collections materials. Later chapters discuss how use of these newer technologies may affect digitization projects, preservation of born digital materials, and funding agency response. ^L^LAs more libraries grapple with a world that includes Google Books and the Open Content Alliance, this book will be of interest to anyone working with cultural heritage materials.
Review
"This is a valuable introduction to any library with special or cultural heritage collections seeking to reach out to users via these new technologies." - ARBAonline
Review
"Of all library programs, the Special Collections department might seem the least likely to jump onto the 2.0 bandwagon. Not so says Beth M. Whittaker and Lynne M. Thomas in Special CollectionS≪/i>. . . . They conducted a survey among 'cultural heritage professionals' and discovered that, despite concern that new technologies are a distraction, many in the field are already finding ways in which Web 2.0 supports the traditional mission to collect and preserve." - American Libraries
Review
"Whittaker (special collections, The Ohio State U. Libraries, Columbus) and Thomas (rare books and special collections, Northern Illinois U., DeKalb) present collection and archives professionals with an examination of the use of Web 2.0 applications and related technologies in the creation, promotion, and management of special collections resources,
particularly as a strategy for reaching new audiences. The text incorporates findings from 300-plus responses to a survey gauging the knowledge of and interest in Web 2.0 applications among cultural heritage professionals. The authors discuss the use of specific applications—wikis, blogs, social networking, photo-sharing sites—as a gateway to special collections material, and examine how these technologies may affect digitization projects, preservation of born-digital materials, and funding agency response." - Reference & Research Book News
Review
"This is not a how-to manual for working with digital records but instead provides a good conceptual overview of the impact these applications have on special collections. Whittaker (head, special collections cataloging, Ohio State Univ.) and Thomas (head, rare books & special collections, Northern Illinois Univ.) partner here to promote the use of Web 2.0 applications and technologies within the cultural heritage communities of libraries, archives, and museums. The work provides insight on and examples of how institutions can use a wide variety of 2.0 applications for internal work processes and to promote their collections to a wider public. Chapters devoted to the opportunities and challenges these technologies present to collection description and access, preservation, copyright, and use are particularly thought-provoking. . . . Verdict: Recommended as professional literature for special collections professionals." - Library Journal
Review
"well-organised and engaging book will have serious credibility with specialised practitioners." - The Australian Library Journal
Synopsis
A critical examination of Web 2.0 tools used in special collections, archives, and museums, with an emphasis on using interactive technology to create and preserve content.
Based on surveys and firsthand research across the archivist's profession, Special Collections 2.0: New Technologies for Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Archival Collections offers essential advice and practical ideas for creating, collecting, and preserving born-digital materials for optimal long-term access--using the best of what the new Web has to offer.
Special Collections 2.0 surveys the web's new options for interconnectivity and interactivity tool by tool, exploring the benefits and shortcomings of applying each to the special collection and archives profession. It combines expert analysis of the pros and cons of Web 2.0 with numerous reports of how wikis, blogs, photosharing, social networks, and more are already being put to work in this essential field. Creators, researchers, and caretakers of the historic record--even those anxious about using the Internet--will understand the best ways to put Web 2.0 to work in the service of our cultural heritage.
Synopsis
Based on surveys and firsthand research across the archivist's profession, Special Collections 2.0: New Technologies for Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Archival CollectionS≪/i> offers essential advice and practical ideas for creating, collecting, and preserving born-digital materials for optimal long-term access—using the best of what the new Web has to offer.
Special Collections 2.0 surveys the web's new options for interconnectivity and interactivity tool by tool, exploring the benefits and shortcomings of applying each to the special collection and archives profession. It combines expert analysis of the pros and cons of Web 2.0 with numerous reports of how wikis, blogs, photosharing, social networks, and more are already being put to work in this essential field. Creators, researchers, and caretakers of the historic record—even those anxious about using the Internet—will understand the best ways to put Web 2.0 to work in the service of our cultural heritage.
Synopsis
A critical examination of Web 2.0 tools used in special collections, archives, and museums, with an emphasis on using interactive technology to create and preserve content.
Synopsis
• Separate chapters on the new tools of Web 2.0, including wikis, blogs, photosharing, and different social networks
• A helpful bibliography of print and online resources for further reading
• A glossary of terms with definitions of important Web tools and acronyms
• A complete index
Synopsis
• Gives anyone who works in or is fascinated by the collections/archives profession an introduction to the new world of creating and protecting digital content
• Promotes Web 2.0 as an extremely effective resource for reaching and expanding archive user/subscriber bases
• Helps working collection and archiving professionals become more comfortable working with Web 2.0 tools
• Includes coverage of photosharing—often overlooked in discussions of Web 2.0—and its tremendous potential impact, both positive and negative, on preserving collections