The first of several quick posts from this year's excellent DCDC conference in Salford. Digital impact expert Simon Tanner asked an interesting question in his Keynote talk. If we compare archives services to wine, the wine equals the collections, the glass the infrastructure of building and staff, and the drinking is access to the collections … Continue reading Wine? Glass? DRINK?
Tag: Access
Joyful June: copyright law to change for the better
This June, copyright changes for the better! LOOOONG-awaited changes to copyright exceptions are bringing complex and outdated legislation into line with the needs of modern teaching and research. These changes will treat those using "non-text" materials more fairly, make preservation copying easier, and enable copying into accessible formats to support people with disabilities. The rights … Continue reading Joyful June: copyright law to change for the better
Access All Areas? a user’s perspective on archives by wheelchair
Here's an invaluable blog post by Viv Dunstan, a historical researcher who is a wheelchair user, on her experience of using archives. Searchrooms are often small, cramped spaces which are tricky to get around. Staff are helpful but there is only so much they can do. She explains the value of good quality catalogues which … Continue reading Access All Areas? a user’s perspective on archives by wheelchair
Manuscripts Online! And in the Public Domain …
"My vision then of a future manuscript catalogue would be of something that links together a wide range of resources ... anchored by the record of the physical manuscript itself ..." This vision is outlined by Andrew Prescott, Professor of Digital Humanities at Kings College London, in The Function, Structure and Future of Catalogues, now … Continue reading Manuscripts Online! And in the Public Domain …
Modernising Copyright: the White Paper is published
Important and good news for UK special collections services and their users. The UK government has just published the final part of its response to consultations following the Hargreaves review of intellectual property: Modernising copyright: a modern, robust and flexible framework. While not addressing underlying problems of copyright, the changes outlined allow a wider range … Continue reading Modernising Copyright: the White Paper is published
Make the Most of Your Maps
Maps often occupy a paradoxical position in special collections. On the one hand, they are star items. People love maps, responding with delight to their personal ("there's my house!"), historic or visual interest. However, maps are often underexploited. They can be difficult to store, catalogue and make available in helpful ways. In particular, enquirers tend … Continue reading Make the Most of Your Maps
The Special Collections Handbook 