Partnering for Discoverability: Knitting Archival Finding Aids to Digitized Material Using a Low Tech Digital Content Linking Process

As libraries continue to ramp up digitization efforts for unique archival and special collections material, the segregation of archival finding aids from their digitized counterparts presents an accumulating discoverability problem for both patrons and library staff. For Utah State University (USU) Libraries, it became evident that a system was necessary to connect both new and legacy finding aids with their digitized content to improve use and discoverability. Following a cross­departmental workflow analysis involving the Special Collections, Cataloging and Metadata, and Digital Initiatives departments, a process was created for semi­automating the batch linking of item and folder level entries in EAD finding aids to the corresponding digitized material in CONTENTdm. In addition to the obvious benefit of linking content, this cross­departmental process also allowed for the implementation of persistent identifiers and the enhancement of finding aids using the more robust metadata that accompanies digitized material. This article will provide a detailed overview of the process, as well as describe how the three departments at USU have worked together to identify key stakeholders, develop the procedures, and address future developments

Utah State University - University Libraries Metadata Application Profile for CONTENTdm Digital Collections

The Utah State University Libraries Digital Collections Application Profile outlines the metadata fields, mappings, definitions, and resources used to assign metadata for digital collections in the USU CONTENTdm repository. Utah State University is a collection partner of the Mountain West Digital Library (MWDL). Therefore, this profile pulls substantially from the MWDL application profile 2.0, which is available at this URL: http://mwdl.org/docs/MWDL_DC_Profile_Version_2.0.pd

From saeter to sod: Single women homesteaders of Norwegian descent farming their land in Dakota territory, 1862-1929

On May 20, 1862 Congress signed into effect the Homestead Act which provided 160 acres of surveyed government land to any citizen over the age of twenty-one and who was a head of household. One of the most historical aspects of this act was that it allowed single women the opportunity to own land. Not only were native-born women taking advantage of such a lucrative offer, but the women of Norway saw just the opening they needed to venture out on their own. They joined thousands of their countrymen across the Atlantic to find a bit of land where they could indulge in the cornucopia of bounty that they were assured the Dakota plains had to offer. Norwegians have a rich farming history and take great pride in working the land. Women were trained from a young age to work long hours in the fields cutting and drying hay as well as managing the milking herds in the saeters (mountain pasture) of their native Norway. This strong work ethic was transported to the many Norwegian-American farm communities that dotted the Upper Midwest where it was not uncommon to find young women working alongside their fathers and brothers in the fields and barnyards. It can be no wonder that these women were able to slip right into the profession of farmer on their small claims. But no one did it alone. Along with their often tight-knit Norwegian communities and the available government resources, single women of Norwegian descent were able to apply their knowledge and experience to their Dakota homesteads to become successful farmers and pass their love for farming and land onto future generations

The Design Workshop Archive and Digital Collection: A Collaboration Broadening Discovery, Access and Use of Design Materials

This presentation deals with the Design Workshop Archive and Digital Collection, a collaborative project of Utah State University Libraries, the University\u27s Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning Dept. and Design Workshop, a landscape architectural firm based in Denver, Colorado. The story of this project is told from the above three perspectives. Issues discussed include evolution of protocols to assist firm principals in determining which projects and materials should be archived, strategies for handling diverse formats (obsolete through born digital), and innovative ways to broaden discovery, access and use of these design materials through digital collections and learning objects