Harvard Library's Digital Scholarship (DS) Program is here to support your work with emerging computational methods, engaging learning spaces, and a campus-wide network of expertise.
Services we offer
In DS Program, a technological center-of-gravity exists at the intersection of natural language processing and immersive visualization. Using cutting-edge AR/VR interfaces, we are pioneering methods to digitize and explore text-based, physical, and media-based collections at scale while keeping humans in the loop.
Collections as Data
- Natural language processing: Our OCR/HTR (handwriting transcription) expertise can help you transform “raw” scholarly source material into computable datasets, as with the SAEF collection.
- 3D data lifecycle: Interrelated technologies like photogrammetric scanning and data physicalization (3D printing) ensure artifact and specimen accessibility. See: Teaching and Learning with 3D Content.
- Explore: Test open access research with AI-powered database visualization tools like Open Knowledge Maps.
Emerging Technologies Consulting
- Instructional support: Emerging technologies (and rigorous assessment methods) can enhance your students' learning experience, as with Organic Chemistry and Paris in Virtual Reality.
- Grant development: Partner with us on grants, like the Quft excavation diaries project. This includes assistance with overall project management, technical support, and downstream scholarly publication.
- Space design: Connect with our network of technology spaces, and get help with hardware & software procurement, event programming, and exhibit building, like "Envisioning Cluny".
Tools We Support
- Open Science Framework: We help administer an institutional (“member” level) license of the Open Science Framework, which supports transparent research, active project management, and collaboration for affiliates.
- Share by HL: Our no-code web authoring service, Share by HL is available to all Harvard affiliates. Includes collection building (Omeka), storytelling (Scalar), wiki (Mediawiki), and portfolio (Wordpress) platforms.
- Virtual Harvard: As part of the "Virtual Harvard" initiative, we’ve helped scan a dozen campus libraries, including Widener Library, Preservation Services, and the Fine Arts Library.
- 3D Printing at Cabot Library: Remotely submit 3D prints for pickup at Cabot Science Library (main floor). Open to all HUID holders.
Who we work with
Digital Scholarship Projects
Yiddish Fiction Database
Collecting and analyzing works of entertainment literature written in Yiddish
Immersive Showcase
An asynchronous, multi-user virtual classroom and exhibit space, featuring our most impressive 3D scans
SAEF Handwriting Transcription
Handwriting transcription (HTR) throughput, for processing the contents of handwritten documents from Houghton Library.
3D Scanning Service
Research-grade digital surrogates of artifacts, objects, and specimens.
Success Stories
Examples of effective implementations (and common challenges) faced by digital scholars.
Libraries & Museums podcast
A discussion on the Library of the Future and digital scholarship at Harvard.
Questions?
Digital Scholarship Program Manager
