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  • 1.  Institutional Databases - Federated Search Across LAMG Platforms

    Posted 08-22-2022 01:31 PM

     

    Atlanta History Center is rich in resources with collections in Library, Archives, Museum, and Gardens (LAMG). Data access is available in distinct systems that have been developed for each: Worldshare, ContentDM, Re:discovery, IrisBG, and more.

     

    At present, the institution is looking to create a federated search for public access to these databases.

     

    We are looking at two approaches: Consolidate multiple digital databases into one catalogue system across Library, Archives, Museum, and Gardens for a new catalogue database that could merge some or all data to one system. Additionally, we would build a microsite, linked to our main website, as one user-friendly search tool.

     

    The second option is: Build a connection (API/other) from the existing separate catalogue databases that can integrate directly with a web-based search portal.

     

    I am wondering if other institutions that have multiple collections databases have looked at similar solutions and, if so, which they believe are the best options.

     

    Thank you -

     

    Michael Rose

    He/Him/His

    Chief Mission Officer /

    Executive Vice President for Collections and Exhibitions

     

    130 West Paces Ferry Road NW

    Atlanta, Georgia 30305

     

    P  404.814.4043

    F  404.814.4175

    atlantahistorycenter.com

     

     

    https://photos-1.dropbox.com/t/2/AAD3lNYmUf7FkKTy2ZvtgFEMeQWYDoG7Zfjv9OI6vxlKeg/12/380958457/png/32x32/1/_/1/2/AHC_logotype_e-signature.png/EKi70d4EGPcJIAIoAg/5MrvACb5LDHw-bVUrlaO-M0Zjeaib_eWO4BZt3hDQsQ?size=800x600&size_mode=3

     

     

     



  • 2.  RE: Institutional Databases - Federated Search Across LAMG Platforms

    Posted 08-23-2022 11:02 AM
    Hi Michael,
    I am on the Artwork Archive team and would be happy to chat with you about your first option. I've worked with a number of cultural heritage institutions coming from systems like Re:discovery. We can consolidate all of your data from those multiple platforms and host them on Artwork Archive – as your central database. We have a public facing portal that can act as your website, or we can embed directly onto your website so that your collections are available to the public.

    You can contact me at elysian@artworkarchive.com.

    I'd also love to learn more about the Atlanta History Center! I was a history major in undergrad and my background is in museum studies. 

    All the best,
    Elysian

    --

    Elysian McNiff Koglmeier (she/her)
    Head of Growth
    Artwork Archive

    Part Time Hours
    Online: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays





  • 3.  RE: Institutional Databases - Federated Search Across LAMG Platforms

    Posted 08-23-2022 03:05 PM
    Edited by Cristin Waterbury 08-23-2022 03:05 PM

    Hi Michael,
    The State Historical Society of Iowa did something similar not long ago. You might try reaching out to Jodi Evans to find out more. jodi.evans@iowa.gov

    Sound like an exciting yet daunting undertaking! Good luck!

    Best,
    Cristin

    Cristin J. Waterbury

    (she/her)
    Independent Professional
    Museums. Archives. History. Digital Asset Management. Leader. Collaborator.
    (920) 342-6310




  • 4.  RE: Institutional Databases - Federated Search Across LAMG Platforms

    Posted 08-24-2022 08:19 AM

    Michael,

    With funding from IMLS, the Litchfield Historical Society created a single search portal for our instances of ArchivesSpace and CollectionSpace. It's called BentoSpace, and you can see it here: https://bento.collection.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/bento/search/. In addition to this search page, there is a search box on the homepage of our website. The same grant enabled us to develop a tool to share authority records as well. We would love to integrate our book catalog at some point, but that is more complicated because our book records are in a statewide system. We have researchers with a wide variety of education levels, skillsets, and familiarity with historical research, but we get great feedback on this system from a wide variety of folks.

    Good luck with your project!
    Linda



    ------------------------------
    Linda Hocking
    Curator of Library and Archive
    Litchfield Historical Society
    Litchfield CT
    lhocking@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Institutional Databases - Federated Search Across LAMG Platforms

    Posted 08-24-2022 10:02 AM
    Hi Michael,

    That's an important question. Much of the answer may come from thinking about how you separate data management and data delivery. Are the management functions of the existing cataloging systems working for your operations? Is there additional work that would need to be done specifically in the catalogue database, and would that work create divergence from your "systems of truth" management systems, creating ongoing effort or disconnects? In both the options you mention, there is a "gluing together" activity, and a pruning activity, to optimize data for delivery.

    With our clients at Design for Context, the focus on integrated data delivery – both internally for staff to have a single view for their task needs, and externally for public discovery/exploration – this leans toward your second option where the relevant delivery data comes from source systems for display on the web. However, there may still be small "glue" utilities for vocabulary reconciliation, image delivery to your main website, some multilingual support, identifying data issues/gaps, etc. We use a collection-focused linked data approach that also is now being extended in collaboration with the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum to integrate that data with interpretive digital publications, education, interactives – while leaving the existing systems to do what they do well for operations.

    I'm happy to share examples from a few institutions and discuss the questions you raise, if that is useful. And hoping you can share what you learn with this forum in future!

    All the best,
    Duane

    ------------------------------
    Duane Degler
    Principal Consultant
    Design for Context
    Chevy Chase MD
    ------------------------------



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