VuStuff II Schedule

VUFind and the "Catholic Portal"

Presenter: Eric Lease Morgan, Digital Projects Librarian at Hesburgh Libraries, University of Notre Dame

This presentation will describe and demonstrate how the Catholic Research Resources Alliance has exploited the open and modular nature of VUFind to implement the "Catholic Portal". Specifically, we will show how we are using VUFind to aggregate metadata from remote locations/libraries, index archival finding aids (EAD files), harvest content from the Internet Archive, and facilitate text mining services against full text. VUFind is an exemplar "next-generation library catalog" application, and because of its design and flexibility we have been able to stand on its shoulders and push the definition of the library catalog a bit further. This presentation will elaborate on all of these ideas.

Preservation of Archival Mining Maps: Increasing Access and Safety

Presenter: Amy Baker Williams, Conservator at the University of Pittsburgh

Since June of 2007, the University of Pittsburgh, along with CONSOL Energy, Inc., the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP), Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining (OSM), has been engaged in a partnership to preserve the mining heritage of Western Pennsylvania.

The goal of this project is to conserve and digitize over 700 mining maps donated to the University by CONSOL Energy, Inc. So far, 400 maps have undergone conservation treatment in the Preservation Department of the University Library System. The process involves humidifying, flattening, cleaning, mending and re-lining the maps in preparation for scanning. Once repaired, the maps are digitized on a Cruse Table Scanner in 24-bit color at 240-300 DPI. Using GIS software the DEP matches surface features drawn on the map to the same features on aerial photography and USGS topography maps.

The digital images are used by developers, homeowners and the mining industry. The ultimate goal of the project is to improve the safety of coal miners in our region by preserving the most accurate records of abandoned mines. The project was spurred by the 2002 Quecreek Mine rescue, where one of the main issues in the disaster was the failure to preserve the most up-to-date map.

Our presentation will provide a project overview, and in the theme of “openness” we will highlight how increased access to previously inaccessible information has benefited the safety of miners, the public and the environment.

Exploring a Regional Mass Digitization Program:  Easy and Economical Digitization of Your Library's Historical Materials

Presenter:  Eric Zino, LYRASIS Member, Products and Services Consultant

LYRASIS has established the Mass Digitization Collaborative to assist members with their digitization needs. Cultural heritage institutions can contribute to this regional digital collection and get their materials digitized at a low cost.  This unique program enables small, medium and large cultural heritage institutions to gain the benefits of a coordinated effort without having to invest in creating their own infrastructure to make materials available online.  Attendees will learn how they can participate in this program and  get their historical materials digitized at a reasonable cost and with a manageable amount of staff time.

Digitizing the Pittsburgh Catholic

Presenter:  Rob Behary, Systems Librarian at Gumberg Library, Duquesne University

Serving the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s newspaper since 1844, the Pittsburgh Catholic provides a unique glimpse into the history of Pittsburgh’s Roman Catholic community. While Duquesne University’s Gumberg library had systematically microfilmed each issue of the paper since its inception, researchers requiring easier access and full-text search capabilities found the microfilmed copy difficult to use. This presentation will discuss the new ways that researchers can access the Pittsburgh Catholic and how its new accessibility can potentially make a much wider impact on those seeking more information on the history of the Roman Catholic Church in America from a Catholic perspective.