The combination of digital collections management systems and the internet has presented galleries, libraries, archives, and museums with an unprecedented opportunity to make their collections information more discoverable and connected than ever; however, a lack of proper data management and governance can limit the usefulness of the information we share.
This class will provide an overview of several core data management frameworks, adapted for use in a cultural heritage collections environment, including the Data Management Body of Knowledge and the emerging Datapractices.org project. Attendees will gain an understanding of what good data management is, learn how to evaluate current data management practices within their own organizations, and take the first steps toward creating a data management plan.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the session, participants should be able to:
Understand why data management is important, and be able to convey that understanding to colleagues and their organization’s leadership
Learn the core elements of good data management
Identify tools to assist with data management planning and execution
Instructor: Megan Forbes
Megan provides strategic management for CollectionSpace, an open source, web-based collection information management system for museums. She leads the day-to-day operations of the CollectionSpace organizational home, including release planning, community outreach, and coordination with other LYRASIS programs. Megan has been a part of the CollectionSpace team since its inception in 2008 and holds deep knowledge of the system and its functional design. Megan also serves as the Co-Director of the It Takes a Village: OSS Sustainability Models of Collaboration & Sustainability project. She has an MA in Library and Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a BA in Economics and History from Emory University.
