This blog prompt is a bit difficult to answer yet, as we are still in the forming/ideas stage. I think as as we go on with the project, our individual contributions will become more clear.
The project seemed rather vague to me at first, but I think we're getting a grip on it.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Digital Archives
This article by Solberg was interesting to me because I can relate to it. I think every student these days has had to explore a digital archive - generally for a research paper or project where facts and credible sources are vital.
I can recall wading through hundreds of pages of digital articles for business research or analysis papers, or going through historical documents for English essays. Now, this can make the process easier because everything is so readily accessible - however for me it also makes it challenging because I'm a very tactile learner. I like to be able to highlight things, fold pages, spread items out on my desk and refer back to them physically. Archaic perhaps, but I function best this way. I've noticed that with a purely digital reference platform, I miss things in the copy&paste madness.
There's also the continuing issue of not being digitally inclined. So every time I do a search in one of these massive archives, I think I'm missing something, or not searching correctly. Which may not be the case at all but that's how it makes me feel (cuz feeeeeelings are SO important).
On that note however, I think if I didn't have digital archives as a back up/filler, I'd be lost. Sunk. Defunct. Not effective at all.
I can recall wading through hundreds of pages of digital articles for business research or analysis papers, or going through historical documents for English essays. Now, this can make the process easier because everything is so readily accessible - however for me it also makes it challenging because I'm a very tactile learner. I like to be able to highlight things, fold pages, spread items out on my desk and refer back to them physically. Archaic perhaps, but I function best this way. I've noticed that with a purely digital reference platform, I miss things in the copy&paste madness.
There's also the continuing issue of not being digitally inclined. So every time I do a search in one of these massive archives, I think I'm missing something, or not searching correctly. Which may not be the case at all but that's how it makes me feel (cuz feeeeeelings are SO important).
On that note however, I think if I didn't have digital archives as a back up/filler, I'd be lost. Sunk. Defunct. Not effective at all.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Doig
So I went and jumped ahead into the Ivan Doig archives.
I was part of a previous class that got to explore this archive while it was still being put together - which was pretty dope.
The special collections department and everyone that has been involved in getting this online have done a great job.
Overall the archives are easy to navigate, user friendly and look pretty good as well.
The first thing I dove into was the photograph collection. And honestly....it was a bit odd to me. Kind of like when you're at someone's house that you don't know very well and you see their photos, personal family stuff on the walls, and you sort of feel like you shouldn't be looking at them.....maybe that's just me but it feels oddly invasive. Yes, I know Doig is no longer alive, and the photos probably offer some insight into his writing process. But it still seems, weird.
The Books and Other Writings section was very cool - mainly because I think a lot of people don't realize how many other things Doig wrote. Its nice to have all his works displayed, with good clear images, on one page. This House of Sky is certainly his most well known work, and many would argue his best, but the others are work a look as well. There's quite a few that I haven't read either and would like to check out. Looking through this archive has inspired me to do so.
I was part of a previous class that got to explore this archive while it was still being put together - which was pretty dope.
The special collections department and everyone that has been involved in getting this online have done a great job.
Overall the archives are easy to navigate, user friendly and look pretty good as well.
The first thing I dove into was the photograph collection. And honestly....it was a bit odd to me. Kind of like when you're at someone's house that you don't know very well and you see their photos, personal family stuff on the walls, and you sort of feel like you shouldn't be looking at them.....maybe that's just me but it feels oddly invasive. Yes, I know Doig is no longer alive, and the photos probably offer some insight into his writing process. But it still seems, weird.
The Books and Other Writings section was very cool - mainly because I think a lot of people don't realize how many other things Doig wrote. Its nice to have all his works displayed, with good clear images, on one page. This House of Sky is certainly his most well known work, and many would argue his best, but the others are work a look as well. There's quite a few that I haven't read either and would like to check out. Looking through this archive has inspired me to do so.
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