LSU Libraries has been awarded a grant from Collections as Data: Part to Whole, an effort made possible by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to encourage the computational use of digital collections. The grant will allow librarians, archivists, and curators from across Louisiana to gather as a community and collaboratively explore policies and practices around creating digital content for the Louisiana Digital Library (LDL).

The LDL is a state-wide resource for sharing digital heritage content from public libraries, academic libraries, museums, and archives with users around the world. Although the LDL is a community project, members have never had the opportunity to come together to discuss the state-wide goal of building computationally meaningful collections that are ethically-grounded and culturally relevant. This grant will provide that opportunity.

Each LDL member decides what to add to the Louisiana Digital Library, and together these items make up a digital representation of Louisiana. With this grant, members will coordinate efforts to promote inclusive representation, standardize wording about copyright, promote the use of the LDL, and optimize the ability to download content.

Project team members include:

• Sophia Ziegler, Head of Digital Programs and Services, LSU Libraries
• Gina Costello, Associate Dean of Technology Initiatives and Special Collections, LSU Libraries
• Leah Powell, Digital Collections Librarian, LSU Libraries
• Elizabeth Joan Kelly, Digital Programs Coordinator, Loyola University

The LSU team is part of a cohort of six projects. More information about all the projects can be found at this link. To follow this exciting project as it develops, visit the LDL blog.