3 June, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland

SSI-supported workshop

The Software Sustainability Institute supports a range of activities dedicated to improving software in research. In line with efforts to improve the use of software and datasets from the GLAM sectors, the Computer and Information Science Department at the University of Strathclyde hosted a workshop to explore the needs and the potential confluence of several communities working towards empowering GLAM professionals developing new tools and addressing gaps in skills. 

This workshop was co-organised by Dr Milena Dobreva (University of Strathclyde) and Dr Olexandr Konovalov (University of St Andrews), both SSI fellows. 

The event started with a presentation by Olexandr Konovalov on the efforts of Software Carpentry in developing and delivering lessons on lab skills for research computing, focusing on software, libraries, and data. Gustavo Candela Romero (University of Alicante) shared his experience of delivering short educational courses on collections as data, and Milena Dobreva summarised some of the challenges of introducing datafication into a Master’s programme in library and information sciences. Beth Knazook (Digital Repository of Ireland) outlined the activities of the Collections as Data Interest Group of the Research Data Alliance (RDA), and Henk Alkemade (ENA Tech Community) presented the ongoing work on Datasheets for Digital Cultural Heritage Datasets Working Group at Europeana Network Association.

Mahendra Mahey had the difficult task of reflecting on the various ongoing efforts from the position of GLAM Labs.

The aim of this event was to initiate mapping of the various efforts, capturing similarities and differences in the goals and ambitions of these communities and groups, as well as their activities.

The workshop demonstrated that there are points of overlap, and the represented communities/groups can benefit from the accumulated knowledge in other groups with similar goals. We are currently compiling a working paper summarising the event findings.

Many thanks to all presenters, to all communities that inspired this meeting, and to Aija Sakova (University of Tallinn) and Georgi Nakov (University of Strathclyde) for their valuable contributions.