Connecting the Dots: Using Digital Scholarship Methods to Facilitate New Modes of Discovery in Special Collections

Abstract

A team from the University of Michigan Library, consisting of members from Technical Services, Special Collections, and the Research division, has been exploring a framework for fostering new and original research in Special Collections by incorporating digital scholarship methods. We utilize existing metadata from Special Collections finding aids, along with openly available digital scholarship tools, to identify and visualize hidden connections and social networks among creators of our archival collections. This new information can serve as a novel and innovative resource to help guide further research with Special Collections materials. We have developed a proof of concept for a service model through which customized visualizations can be created for researchers according to their individual research questions. This presentation will discuss the methodology and tools we are using, as well as our goals for piloting the service.