I think this idea changed mid-typing, but here goes.

My session question is how we can involve target groups (faculty, students, researchers, K-12 teachers, general public) in the development and use of digital collections at libraries, universities, and other institutions.  These types of collections are great opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to expand their view of humanities by incorporating digitization, social media, and other technology into their studies.  K-12 teachers and students can also benefit.

My library has a digital collections site that includes material from our library, the medical library, and UAB archives.  We are also working with the departments of communication studies, theatre, art (time-based media), and the ethnographic filmmaking program on housing their students’ moving image projects on our site.  Along with hosting the material comes publicizing it and promoting use.  Promoting the use of collections is easier when you can provide specific examples of how the material applies to faculty research, majors, and specific courses.

What are best practices for incorporating social tools into DH projects so that faculty, students, researchers, and other targeted groups are involved in the development and use of these projects.  I know there are DH projects that are developed as part of specific courses, but I’m thinking more about how institutional projects can benefit from student, faculty, public input throughout development to increase use of the final project.

As a DH newbie, I don’t have any theoretical background information on this topic, but I’m sure campers from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels can contribute.