Map Librarian / Artist / Teacher focused on user-centered design, informal learning in GLAM, new uses for old maps, collaborative interdisciplinary problem-solving, and the interplay between technology and culture.

Presentation Slides

Improving Usability of Online Historical Map Collections

Presented on May 2, 2022 for INSC 543 Spatial Data Management, School of Information Sciences, UT Knoxville.

Presentation based on research paper. Download PDF

Improving Usability of Online Historical Map Collections

In this paper I argued for increased interoperability of digital map collections as a method of improving accessibility of these collections and supporting educators and map librarians using historical maps in instruction. I discussed the evolution of online collections of historical maps over time and described the limitations to access and use that exist with current technology. I noted that in parallel with reduction of technological barriers to access there is a need for more geospatial instruction in libraries and for librarians tasked with providing information services to users of these collections. Through my research I identified emerging practices that address these issues, notably the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF). I proposed that universal adoption of a geospatially enabled IIIF protocol (IIIF + navPlace) for delivery of map images would allow educational materials incorporating these objects and tools for discovering them online to be more widely usable, in turn supporting geospatial educators with a range of experience levels working in a variety of library roles and other educational settings.

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