Cassie's Reflection: Looking at the Digital Library in the Mirror

               I have learned many things from this digital library experience, but it is tough to evaluate whether my expertise increased significantly or not. I feel that many of the conclusions our group came to in regards to metadata, guidelines, the technical aspects of the project and navigating Omeka were guesses that eventually made some sort of sense via trial and error (and research, of course). This might always be the case, however, if there is not digital expertise in-house, and of course each new experience builds upon the last. Knowing that this learning curve exists for beginners, and that there may not always be an expert available to show one the ropes, taught me that if I should pursue a digital library project in the future, seeking outside feedback from experts, consultants or colleagues in the beginning phases would be helpful to give the project shape and direction. Exploration is the necessary first step of any project, and with so much information available on the subject, as well as the collective knowledge of digital librarians everywhere, it would be helpful to seek out guidance from those trusted sources.

               I learned that a good team is essential in completing any successful project because there are too many steps for one person to do, and each of the steps is dependent on the other. Because of this inevitable overlap and cause and effect relationship, the members of the team must have a strong skill set and specialized knowledge, or at least a willingness to learn, and of course tenacity to see the project through all the inevitable technological difficulties. Fortunately, our team was just such a team, and we were able to rely upon one another throughout the entire process. I have been continually impressed with my teammates’ knowledge and abilities, and my own knowledge has expanded because of this interaction.

               I would have liked to have had more hands on experience, but the responsibilities were fairly and necessarily divided. Therefore some of us “did” and some of us planned. However, I do feel that my knowledge of the “how-to’s” from start to finish have increased significantly from what it was before. As we asked questions, found answers, and then questioned the answers, there was a lot of learning taking place, and valuable resources were found for future reference. As I continue to expand my knowledge in this arena, I would like to have actual experience working in a digital library in order to understand how things are run when there are resources available and protocol is set. Understanding workflows inside a library setting would be greatly helpful.

               All in all, I definitely learned that planning is essential, and that you have to be ready for things to go wrong. When they do, however, there are plenty of resources available to help you figure things out. Troubleshooting, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence are all key components in the creation of any successful digital library.