Collections as Data: Charting International Futures

Abstract

Libraries around the world increasingly coalesce around the concept, community, and area of work referred to as 'collections as data'. Definitions vary, but in general 'collections as data' proponents seek to develop collections, staff, services, and partnerships that support multidisciplinary, multi professional, and creative computational engagement with library collections. The scale of this work - both explicitly identified and complementary in nature - is international. International 'collections as data' engagement is evidenced in national initiatives (Collections as Data: Part to Whole), conferences (Making Meaning), national library implementation (National Library of Scotland), and collaborative 'collections as data' professional development offerings (Humanities Intensive Learning and Teaching Institute).

This poster reports on potential future directions for an international 'collections as data' community, informed by a global stakeholder summit, Collections as Data: State of the Field and Future Directions, (participants from North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East) held at Internet Archive Canada in 2023. This poster will highlight how an internationalized approach to 'collections as data' work will benefit the field as it matures, as well as areas that require further attention as we consider how to approach principles, infrastructure, and operations in an collaborative and ethically grounded way.