Project Management & Outreach 6 Session Notes

[mramirez]

Wisconsin Digital Archives : Creating a Digital Preservation Program for Wisconsin State Government Information, by Abby Swanton, Wisconsin Reference and Loan Library

Abby spoke about the digital preservation program that she has spearheaded for the Wisconsin Digital Archives. Developing strategic relationships were necessary to help the Digital Archives come to fruition, and Abby pointed out that the partnerships not only helped them see where each of the partner’s work overlaps but also where each other’s strengths can complement one another.

Wisconsin is following the Arizona Model using the OCLC Digital Archive Tool to gather digital content and to harvest “information packages”.

After Abby gave us an overview of the Wisconsin Digital Archives, she discussed the opportunities for growth as a result of this project. She mentioned that there was an overwhelming potential when the collaboration between organizations was expanded to other organizations. She discussed her strategies in seeking out collaborative partners. Organizations that express an interest in collaborating are asked to self-identify their contributions to the collaboration. Abby has found that partners know their strengths much better than she does, and those organizations are better equipped to provide suggestions on what they are willing or able to contribute.

She has found that the Digital Archives has allowed her to develop relationships with organizations within state government that haven’t traditionally existed. But she identified some of her current challenges such as format issues of the “information packages” that are harvested, challenges that come with many organizations participating in original cataloging and the challenges of trailblazing a new project with no previous local examples to follow.

From Project to Program: Strategies for Getting There…Maybe!, Christy Allen, State Library of North Carolina

Christy Allen discussed the newly created Digital Information Management Program (DIMP) at the State Library of North Carolina (found at http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/dimp/index.html). After giving us a brief history of the digital services offered by the State Library, Christy told us about the formation of the DIMP and the current challenges it faces as it moves from idea to project to program. One of the major challenges facing the DIMP is the hiring freeze that was instituted by the North Carolina State Legislature in May, 2007. Christy discussed the work that went into getting four full-time positions created for the DIMP, and described the challenges in creating job descriptions that fit both the needs and expectations of the State Library, DIMP and the HR department. While two positions in the DIMP are filled, the remaining two positions are still unfilled as a result of the hiring freeze. This has been a considerable struggle especially since one of the unfilled positions is that of DIMP Program Manager.


Things that were discussed after the presentations included:
• Lessons learned in working with administration and decision-makers
• Discussion of strategies to develop key relationships and collaborative partners
• Further discussion of key barriers and possible opportunities in moving forward with the Digital Information Management Program
• Brainstorming of solutions to locate and mobilize library supporters to lobby on behalf of the library

[ChristyAllen]

Marisa,
Hi, this is Christy. You did a great job summarizing my session! Even though it's easy to feel discouraged, I was actually greatly heartened by all the support and suggestions that the attendees offered during this session.

We here at the State Library of North Carolina are still scrambling to find solutions for the DIMP, and hope to have a plan in place by the end of the fiscal year. Since you all showed so much interest in this topic, I'll be happy to post updates once we figure things out on our end.

Again, thanks again for all the support!!

[mramirez]

Hi Christy -

Yes, please do provide updates, if any become available. The DIMP sounds like a wonderful program so we are rooting for you!

Best,
Marisa

[ChristyAllen]

Yes, please do provide updates, if any become available. The DIMP sounds like a wonderful program so we are rooting for you!

Per your request, here is the latest update about our DIMP jobs...

Due to a very unexpected turn of events, our positions are no longer frozen, and we are able to hire for them once more! They were just re-posted today. You can access them at the URLs below. If you all know of anyone who would be interested in either position, I encourage you to forward the information to them!

Thanks again for everyone's support and empathy. It is greatly appreciated!!

Director of the Digital Information Management Program (DIMP)
http://osp.its.state.nc.us/positiondetail.asp?vacancykey=4804-0200-0004-163&printit=no

Digital Program Liaison and Technologies Manager
http://osp.its.state.nc.us/positiondetail.asp?vacancykey=4804-0300-0004-404&printit=no