Project title: DIGS: Digital Iowa Geological resourceS Collection

 

Department/organizational unit(s): Preservation Dept/UI Libraries

 

Mentor Name(s): Nancy E Kraft

 

Brief project description: State geological surveys and maps have had a critical impact in the discovery, exploration, use and conservation of natural resources. State, territorial and federal geographical and geological resource surveys were established in the early days of the American republic to inventory and manage the natural wealth of the country. An important Iowa Geological Survey publication is the annual report. These reports have retained their value as both historical benchmarks and sources of information for comparative studies of changes in resource availability and landscape use. The volumes in the 1st series published from 1892 – 1940/41 are quite brittle. Creating a digital file that could be accessed online would make these early volumes more broadly accessible to scientists, researchers, students, policymakers, legislators and others in governmental agencies. The volumes for 1892-1894 can be found at the Iowa Heritage Digital Collections site. Another 3 years (1895-1897) are in the queue, digitized and awaiting the necessary work needed before adding to IHDC. In addition to adding the 3 additional volumes to IHDC, a work flow needs to be established, metadata reviewed, and procedures established for adding other volumes to IHDC.

 

Examples of key activities:

              Metadata review and revision

              Entering and uploading new files

              Consulting with Geosciences Librarian to develop “canned” searches

              Consulting with Geosciences Librarian to identify other candidates to add to DIGS

              Developing cheat sheet for adding other volumes to IHDC

              Reviewing/revising webpage content and design work

              Consulting with DLS staff as needed for metadata and website work

 

Number of students that can be accommodated: 1

 

Duration: Fall 07 onwards

 

Training: Will be provided

 

Software/Hardware involved:

CONTENTdm

Contribute 4.0

 

Tangible end product: Online digital collection

 

External expertise requested:  Assistance from DLS staff