Announcing the Recipients of the 2024 vrcHost Membership Awards

The VRA Awards Committee is delighted to announce that fourteen information professionals have been selected as recipients of the 2024 vrcHost Membership Awards.

The vrcHost Membership Awards provide a year of individual VRA membership, and chapter memberships of the recipient’s choice. They are intended to provide VRA memberships to engage new members in the organization and to help existing members who need financial assistance retain their VRA membership.

This second round of awards are sponsored by vrcHost, a company that offers comprehensive solutions for the Madison Digital Image Database (MDID) project--installation, integration, hosting, customization, and software development--while also serving as the exclusive agent for the Archivision Research Library, which provides professional architecture and art photography with rich metadata for educational purposes. VRA is grateful for vrcHost’s continued generosity.

Congratulations to:

• Charlie Coffey, Wesleyan University

• De'Ivyion "Ivy" Drew, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

• Madison Ferrell, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

• Diego Roberto Irigoyen, University of California, Riverside

• Ariell Lomax, California State University Sacramento

• Kaylie Longley, University of Denver

• Liz Miller, Emory University

• Meina Naeymirad, Pratt Institute

• Elisabeth Narkin, National Gallery of Art

• Sureshkrishnan Ramakrishnan, Independent

• Spencer Roberts, Emory University

• Isis A Serna, University of New Mexico

• Amanda Smith, Buffalo AKG Art Museum

• Marsha Taichman, Ontario College of Art & Design University

Please join us in welcoming these new members to the Visual Resources Association and in thanking vrcHost for funding these awards.

With much appreciation,

VRA Awards Committee

VRA 2024 Minneapolis Call for Volunteers

VRA 2024 will be held October 8–10, 2024, at the Embassy Suites in downtown Minneapolis, MN. The VRA Executive Board needs your help to make our conference a success! 

We have opportunities for both planning and on-site work, and will tailor your responsibilities to the amount of time you can commit to the planning efforts. Please note, volunteers are eligible to receive the speaker discount when registering for the conference.

If you are interested, please complete this form by May 2, 2024. 

We are seeking volunteers to help in the following areas:

Conference Experience Planning Group

• Organizing tours, dine arounds, meetups and more

• Identifying potential keynote speakers and local collaborators 

• Compiling local resources for attendees

• Adding local flair to the conference as a whole  

On-Site/Hybrid Volunteers

• Registration Desk 

• Session Moderators + Coordinators

• Supporting VRA Tech Advisor during on-site sessions

• Monitoring Zoom during hybrid sessions

If you are thinking about getting more involved in VRA, this is a great opportunity to test the waters without a long commitment. We welcome both new and longtime members in this process: the more volunteers we have, the better and more diverse the conference will be!

Sign up to volunteer for VRA 2024 Minneapolis!

Please reach out to initiatives@vraweb.org with any questions. 

Announcing the 2024-2025 VRA Professional Development Grant Recipient

The Visual Resources Association (VRA) is pleased to present the 2024-2025 VRA Professional Development Grant in the amount of $1,000 to Jung Soo Bae, Electronic Resources Librarian & Metadata Specialist, National Gallery of Art Library.

Soo will attend the 10th International Conference of Art Libraries to be held in Barcelona, Spain. She plans on sharing insights from the conference, particularly focusing on library practices for Spanish art and cultural history, as well as artificial intelligence applications, with colleagues.

Additionally, Soo intends to explore the feasibility of implementing AI to enhance cataloging practices for e-resources through a pilot project. The results of this exploration will be shared with information professional communities to facilitate feedback and further discussions.

VRA Awards Scouting 2024

The VRA Awards Committee is scouting for potential nominees for 2024 Awards to be presented at the Annual Conference in Minneapolis. 

There are two such awards:

• The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a person for their contributions to the field of visual resources work.

• The Nancy DeLaurier Award recognizes an achievement of an individual or a group. That achievement can be a published work, oral presentation, project management, software development, technology application, website creation, or other outstanding effort.

If you would like to share your ideas about any people or projects that deserve recognition, please complete this Google form:

https://forms.gle/ADF421qtE4bZyC1k6 

Completing the online form is not a formal nomination. The Awards Committee will follow-up about your suggestions, connect potential shared nominators, and provide assistance with the application process. If you've never applied for a VRA Award before, or don't want to complete a nomination all by yourself, this is a great place to start. 

You can also email the Awards Committee if you'd like to highlight someone or something for recognition. We so welcome your ideas and suggestions sent on through the Google form or to our shared e-mail atvra.awards@gmail.com

Deadline Extended! VRA 2024 Minneapolis Call for Proposals

The deadline for submitting proposals for VRA 2024 Minneapolis has been extended until Monday, April 15, 2024!

So, if you've been sweating the original April 1 deadline, take a deep breath –  you now have an extra two weeks to get those brilliant ideas in. Rest assured, this isn't an early April Fools’ Day prank – it's a genuine opportunity for you to fine-tune your submissions.

With this extended deadline, proposers will be notified of their acceptance on May 13, 2024.

The conference will be held October 8–10, 2024, at the Embassy Suites in downtown Minneapolis, MN. The format will be hybrid, allowing for the possibility of presenting remotely. 

The Visual Resources Association (VRA) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to furthering research and education in the field of image management within the educational, cultural heritage, and commercial environments. Past conference schedules can give you an idea of the range of topics presented in previous years; for further inspiration you may also wish to read through a list of suggested topics below.

Click here to access the conference proposal form.

Suggested topics include:

• Coding (PHP, Python, SQL, etc.)

• Community outreach

• Copyright/Intellectual property

• Digital asset management, digital curation, digital preservation, etc.

• Digitization (workflows, digital capture and imaging technologies)

• Digital scholarship and digital humanities

• Diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural competencies, social justice

• Project management (communication, grant writing, prioritization, leadership, etc.)

• Linked data

• Materials/Objects collections

• Metadata/Cataloging ethics (decolonizing vocabularies, radical cataloging)

• Storytelling and oral history

• Technologies (GIS and mapping, 3D imaging, etc.)

• Tools: open source, evolution, future trends

• Workplace cultures and professional transitions (academic departments, libraries, cultural heritage institutions, archives, corporate, etc.)

Content may take the form of papers, sessions, special interest/user groups, workshops, posters sessions, and committee meetings. All proposals are welcome, and if you have other conference ideas or suggestions that do not fit the conference proposal form, please reach out to the Senior Director for Events & Initiatives, Maria Nuccilli.

Again, the extended proposal deadline is Monday, April 15, 2024.  Click here to access the conference proposal form.

Deadline Extended! 2024 vrcHost Membership Awards

The VRA Awards Committee is extending the application deadline for the vrcHost Membership Awards until Friday, March 29th, 2024!

For consideration, please complete this short form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpf48yDWuiea88k_yqllYjTDxztXC9iSoWlrMqBXOwDGBpQA/viewform

Updated timeline:

• March 8 – Deadline for Completing the Google Form Application

• March 29 - Deadline for Completing the Application

• April 4 – Awards Committee Review Completed & Recommendation

• April 5 – VRA Board Decision

• April 8 – Notify Recipients

Award winners will be notified in early April in order to provide the recipients with membership in time to participate in VRA's professionals development and conference opportunities.

Any student or information worker interested in visual resources and image management is eligible to apply for a vrcHost Membership Award, including: new members; veteran members; international members; solo, isolated, and part-time VR professionals; students considering careers in visual resources; and any member with financial need. There is no limit to how many times a person can apply for or receive this award, but first consideration will be given to those who have not received this award in the past.

We are very grateful to our sponsor, vrcHost, a company that offers comprehensive solutions for the Madison Digital Image Database (MDID) project--installation, integration, hosting, customization, and software development--while also serving as the exclusive agent for the Archivision Research Library, which provides professional architecture and art photography with rich metadata.

Contact VRA Awards Committee members at vra.awards@gmail.com or me directly moaburns@gmail.com, if any questions arise.

Apply now! 2024 vrcHost Membership Awards

The VRA Awards Committee is thrilled to announce that the vrcHost Membership Awards received generous sponsorship for a second year! This award exists to engage new members in the Association and help existing members who might need financial assistance to retain their VRA membership.

Our sponsor, vrcHost, is a company that offers comprehensive solutions for the Madison Digital Image Database (MDID) project--installation, integration, hosting, customization, and software development--while also serving as the exclusive agent for the Archivision Research Library, which provides professional architecture and art photography with rich metadata.

In 2024, vrcHost is providing funds for about 10-15 such awards, each of which will provide a one-year membership in the Visual Resources Association as well as in the VRA Regional Chapter of the recipient's choice. Membership in VRA confers benefits, including, but not limited to: discounts on continuing education and professional development; participation in community spaces, such as committees with leadership opportunities; and networking with colleagues via the VRA Listserv.   

A simple application process is in place. For consideration, please complete this Google form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpf48yDWuiea88k_yqllYjTDxztXC9iSoWlrMqBXOwDGBpQA/viewform

Be prepared to share your interest in the field of Visual Resources, how this award might benefit you and a resume or curriculum vitae.

On the timing front, please see the following goals:

• March 8 – Deadline for Completing the Google Form Application

• March 22 – Awards Committee Review Completed & Recommendation

• April 5 – VRA Board Decision

• April 8 – Notify Recipients

Any student or information worker interested in visual resources and image management is eligible to apply for a vrcHost Membership Award, including: new members; veteran members; international members; solo, isolated, and part-time VR professionals; students considering careers in visual resources; and any member with financial need. 

There is no limit to how many times a person can apply for or receive this award, but first consideration will be given to those who have not received this award in the past.

Please spread the word about these awards to anyone you think might be interested and join us in thanking vrcHost for supporting new and existing VRA members with this wonderful award.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me directly at moaburns@gmail.com  or the Awards Committee at vra.awards@gmail.com.

VRA 2024 Call for Proposals

The VRA Executive Board is soliciting content proposals for the 2024 VRA Conference to be held from October 8–10, 2024, at the Embassy Suites in downtown Minneapolis, MN.

The VRA Executive Board reminds everyone that the strength of our content depends on the willingness of our members and other professionals to submit proposals. We want to encourage all members and other potential attendees to reflect on their own work experiences and ideas and consider those as the potential basis for a paper or workshop that can help others in the field of digital object management.

Past conference schedules can give you an idea of the range of topics presented in previous years; for further inspiration you may also wish to read through a list of suggested topics compiled from post-conference survey responses. 

Click here to access the conference proposal form.

Suggested topics:

• Coding (PHP, Python, SQL, etc.)

• Community outreach

• Copyright/Intellectual property

• Digital asset management, digital curation, digital preservation, etc.

• Digitization (workflows, digital capture and imaging technologies)

• Digital scholarship and digital humanities

• Diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural competencies, social justice

• Project management (communication, grant writing, prioritization, leadership, etc.)

• Linked data

• Materials/Objects collections

• Metadata/Cataloging ethics (decolonizing vocabularies, radical cataloging)

• Storytelling and oral history

• Technologies (GIS and mapping, 3D imaging, etc.)

• Tools: open source, evolution, future trends

• Workplace cultures and professional transitions (academic departments, libraries, cultural heritage institutions, archives, corporate, etc.)

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Do not hesitate to propose something new or highlight an area of concern that you feel has not been adequately addressed in the past. Moderators may put out calls for presenters within a proposed topic before or after the submission of a proposal. The VRA Executive Board will be looking for articulate and concise submissions with lists of presenters, but submissions without presenter lists are encouraged as well.

Content may take the form of papers, sessions, special interest/user groups, workshops, posters sessions, and committee meetings. All proposals are welcome, and if you have other conference ideas or suggestions that do not fit the conference proposal form, please reach out to the Directors for Events and Initiatives, Maria Nuccilli and Brian Shelburne.

• A paper is an individual idea submission, which will be reviewed for possible grouping into a session. Your ideas, whether they come to us independently or as part of a group, are equally valued in the Board’s proposal and selection process.

• A session is a 60-minute moderated panel consisting of no more than 3 presenters speaking for 15 to 18 minutes each, followed by a brief facilitated question and answer period. If you feel your session topic requires additional time, consider dividing it into two sessions, consisting of a Part I and a Part II.

• A special interest/user group is a 60-minute informal, community-driven, facilitated group discussion on topics related to a specific segment of the VRA membership.

• A workshop is a 2-, 4-, or 8-hour event to develop skills and experience in the field of visual resources with hands-on activities.

• A poster session presents a topic using visual aids in conjunction with direct interaction with conference attendees. Posters can depict workplace initiatives, research in progress, and other topics of contemporary interest.

The conference format will be hybrid, allowing for the possibility of presenting and/or attending remotely. The proposal form includes a section to specify if you are interested in presenting online or in person.

The Equitable Action Committee (EAC) will be available to assist in providing guidance for annual conference session organizers and all presenters. Accepted organizers and presenters are invited to consult the EAC to incorporate equity and inclusion best practices. Depending on the extent of support requested, the EAC will be able to provide one-on-one consultations to evaluate and discuss specific aspects of organizers’ in-progress plans. Discussions can involve (but are not limited to): assessing inclusivity in panelists and perspectives; identifying gaps in accessibility; addressing concerns about contentious topics; and directing organizers, moderators, and speakers to additional resources. This initiative will help promote VRA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as create a more welcoming space for civil and critical engagement at the annual conference.

Please contact the Directors for Events and Initiatives, Maria Nuccilli and Brian Shelburne at initiatives@vraweb.org with any questions or concerns.

Again, the proposal deadline is Monday, April 1, 2024.  Click here to access the conference proposal form.

2024-2025 VRA Professional Development Grant Call for Applications

The Visual Resources Association (VRA) is pleased to invite applications for the 2024-2025 VRA Professional Development Grant. Applications are accepted January 18 – March 1, 2024.

The VRA Professional Development Grant awards up to $1,000 to support professional development in the field of visual resources and cultural heritage information management. The grant can be used to participate in a professional development opportunity of the grantee’s choosing (e.g., a conference, symposium, or workshop), or to enroll in relevant research activities (e.g., hands-on field work or a site visit for scholarly purposes). Priority will be given to applications that

• enable a leadership role at an event, including, but not limited to, giving a paper, teaching a workshop, or chairing a committee; 

• support research that shows promise to lead to publication and contributes to the visual resources and cultural heritage information management community; and 

• provide evidence that receiving the grant will benefit the applicant as well as an institution, community, or region.

A complete description of the Professional Development Grant and application instructions are available at https://www.vraweb.org/professional-development-grant.

Please share this announcement with anyone who might be interested.

VRA Quarterly Newsletter | Fall 2023

Fall 2023 Association News

VRA 2023 Conference

This fall the VRA's Annual Conference took place September 26-28 in San Antonio. Slide decks shared by presenters are now available on the VRA's SlideShare account, and the keynote speech can be viewed on the VRA's Vimeo channel. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the conference, whether by sharing knowledge through a presentation or by helping out behind the scenes! 

Travel Awards Endowment

Nine conference-goers received Travel Awards to support their attendance in San Antonio. During the conference, President John Trendler was pleased to announce the establishment of the Travel Awards Endowment. Founded through the generosity of a fellow VRA member, the fund provides long-term support for the Travel Awards program. Thanks to the enthusiastic response of our community, the Association has met the first milestone fundraising goal of $15,000 by the end of 2023. 

Distinguished Service Award and Honorary Lifetime Membership Award

The Association's two highest honors were presented at the conference. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Greg Reser, University of California, San Diego’s Art Library Image Cataloger/Metadata Specialist (retired). Reser richly deserves the DSA for his metadata expertise, technical vision, advanced research, innovative developments, generous collaboration, and dedication to the field of Visual Resources.

The Honorary Life Membership Award was presented to Jenni Rodda in recognition of her diligent leadership, generous mentorship, and outstanding, career-long dedication to the field of visual resources. Rodda was the Manager of Digital Media and Computer Services at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University for 36 years, only having recently retired.

vrcHost Membership Awards

This year saw the creation of a new award, the vrcHost Membership Awards. Generously sponsored by vrcHost, these awards are intended to provide VRA memberships to engage new members in the organization and to help existing members who might need financial assistance to retain their VRA membership. Twelve information professionals were selected as recipients of this inaugural round of awards. 

Regional Workshops

The Regional Workshop Implementation Team coordinated two online workshops this fall, "A Hands-On Introduction to IIIF (International Image Interoperability Framework)" with Glen Robson and "Can We Do That?: Intellectual Property Rights and Visual Media" with Anne Young.  

VRA Statement of Solidarity Against Book Bans

In response to conference programing discussing censorship's effects on librarians in Texas and beyond, the Equitable Action Committee (EAC) led the effort to create the VRA Statement of Solidarity Against Book Bans, a declaration of the Association's solidarity with information professionals facing aggressive challenges to their mission and collections. The VRA Executive Board encourages you to read the statement and get involved by sending letters of encouragement and support using the included template. 

2023-2024 VRA Internship Award Recipient

The Association was pleased to present the 11th VRA Internship Award in visual resources and image management, generously funded by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, to Marco Lanier, a graduate student at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. He will receive $3,000 to work a minimum of 200 hours at The History Project, which is a volunteer-driven organization that maintains one of the largest independent LGBTQ+ archives in the nation.

2023-2024 VRA Project Grant

The Association was pleased to present the 2023-2024 VRA Project Grant to Virginia Seymour, Head Librarian of Research and Instruction, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). In an effort to preserve and make accessible an invaluable piece of animation history for a broader audience, SCAD Libraries will launch a pilot processing and digitization project for the Don Bluth Collection of Animation.

VRA Bulletin Fall/Winter 2023 Issue Published

The Fall/Winter 2023 issue of the VRA Bulletin (VRAB) is now available! Explore the new issue of the VRA's fully open access journal.

Leadership Updates

President-Elect

Xiaoli Ma was appointed President-Elect. She will serve as President-Elect until March 2024, at which time she will become President and serve in that role until March 2026. Xiaoli is the Metadata Librarian and Head of the Metadata Unit at the George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida. 

Junior Director for Events and Initiatives

Maria Nuccilli was appointed Junior Director for Events and Initiatives. She will serve as Junior Director until March 2024, at which time she will become Senior Director for Events and Initiatives and serve in that role until March 2025. Maria is Interim Assistant Dean for Discovery and Innovation in the Wayne State University Library System

Communications Technology Advisor

Meghan Rubenstein has been appointed as the Association's Communications Technology Advisor. Meghan is the Curator of Visual Resources at Colorado College and served on the Executive Board from 2020 to 2022 as Public Relations and Communications Officer. The Executive Board would like to thank outgoing Tech Advisor Allison Cywin for her years of service to the organization. 

Current Opportunities

Executive Board Openings

The VRA is currently seeking volunteers for three Board positions, Treasurer, Public Relations and Communications Officer, and Junior Director for Events and Initiatives. Terms of office will begin in Spring 2024. If you are interested, please contact board@vraweb.org for more information.

Junior Workshop Liaison

The VRA Regional Workshop Implementation Team is seeking a new Junior Workshop Liaison (2024-2026). The person in this position progresses from Junior to Senior Workshop Liaison and then finishes their three-year term as the Workshop Coordinator. Please send a letter of interest and resume to workshops@vraweb.org by December 29, 2023.

Social Media Manager

The Social Media Manager engages in outreach for the VRA through the creation and management of content published to VRA social media accounts, increasing the visibility of the Association’s online presence. Please contact Public Relations and Communications Officer Margaret McKee at info@vraweb.org for more information. 

Upcoming Events

EAC Community Hour: January Check-in
Wednesday, January 10, 3 p.m. EST / 12 p.m. PST
Join the EAC for their annual start-of-the-semester/start-of-the-year informal discussion and brainstorming session. How are we all doing? Although resolutions are not required, everyone is invited to share their thoughts on upcoming challenges and opportunities in their workplaces, particularly those related to diversity, equity, accessibility, and/or inclusion as we head into 2024.

Summer Educational Institute (SEI)

June 24-July 2

The Summer Educational Institute (SEI) for Digital Stewardship of Visual Information, a joint program of the Art Libraries Society of North America and the VRA, will be held online June 24-July 2, 2024. Registration rates will be $225 for members of ARLIS/NA and VRA and $300 for non-members. SEI 2024 will be capped at 50 attendees. Registration will open on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

VRA Bulletin | Fall/Winter 2023

VRA Bulletin Vol. 50 No. 2 (2023): Fall/Winter

 The Fall/Winter 2023 issue of the VRA Bulletin (VRAB) is now available. Explore the new issue of the VRA's fully open access journal. 

IN THIS ISSUE

ASSOCIATION NEWS

2023 VRA Awards Recipients & Recognition

Ann McShane

PERSPECTIVES

Mobilizing the Values of Our Profession: An Interview with Marika Cifor

Sara Schumacher, Marika Cifor

FEATURE ARTICLES

Capstone Innovation: Supporting Art History Students’ Digital Projects at American University

Samuel Sadow, Melissa Becher

“I love getting to share my art with other people”: Undergraduate Studio Art Student Perceptions of Visual Culture

Sarah Carter, Jackie Huddle

The VRA Core in a Digital Library of Artistic Production

Vania Mara Alves Lima, Marina Macambyra

REVIEWS

Review of “Copyright: Best Practices for Academic Libraries”

John Hosford

About the VRA Bulletin

The VRA Bulletin (VRAB) is the journal of the Visual Resources Association (VRA), a multidisciplinary, international organization dedicated to furthering image management education and research by providing leadership in the field, developing and advocating standards, and offering educational tools and opportunities for the benefit of the community at large. The VRAB is a fully open access journal and issues are available to anyone immediately upon publication. All costs of publishing are borne by the Visual Resources Association; there is no cost to the authors in order to publish.

Interested in publishing in the VRAB? Information about the submission and publication process is available on the VRAB website.

EXPLORE THE VRAB ARCHIVES

Announcing the 2023-2024 VRA Project Grant Recipient

The Visual Resources Association (VRA) is pleased to present the 2023-2024 VRA Project Grant in the amount of $3,000 to Virginia Seymour, Head Librarian of Research and Instruction, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

In an effort to preserve and make accessible an invaluable piece of animation history for a broader audience, SCAD Libraries will launch a pilot processing and digitization project for the Don Bluth Collection of Animation. VRA funding to support this work will enable SCAD Libraries to hire a graduate intern to assist in rehousing, inventorying, metadata creation, and scanning for up to 200 hours. This project seeks to expand online and in-person access to the Don Bluth Collection, focusing initially on materials related to the film An American Tail (1986) while laying a long-term foundation to process and digitize the remaining sixteen productions in the collection.

VRA Statement of Solidarity Against Book Bans

The Visual Resources Association stands in unwavering solidarity with information professionals facing aggressive challenges to their mission and collections. As cultural heritage professionals, we are allied with public, school, and academic librarians, who play a crucial role in our communities by curating diverse collections of books, educational materials, and resources, offering guidance to readers of all backgrounds, and fostering a love for learning. They ensure that information is readily accessible to all, without discrimination or censorship, which is a cornerstone of democratic societies.

The increasing hostilities and pressures confronting librarians are deeply troubling, especially as the recent proliferation of book ban efforts specifically targets materials that represent vulnerable and/or marginalized groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community and BIPOC. This not only threatens the intellectual freedom of these communities but also perpetuates discrimination and stifles important dialogues surrounding equity and representation.

We firmly believe in the essential role librarians play in enriching our communities, promoting inclusivity, and defending the fundamental values of intellectual freedom and democracy. We encourage VRA members to take action against censorship. Take the time to learn more using the resources below. Send letters of encouragement and support to your local library or school board using the included draft letter and/or your own personal message.

Resources:

Challenges and Censorship to Intellectual and Artistic Freedoms in the News (Google Doc compiled by Sara Schumacher for the VRA 2023 Conference presentation in September 2023).

Other organizations fighting book bans and other forms of censorship:

• Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) statement on book bans

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU advocates for freedom of expression and has a history of defending artists and cultural institutions against censorship.

• American Library Association (ALA): The ALA has been a leading advocate for intellectual freedom and the right to read. They maintain resources, guidelines, and support for librarians, educators, and the public facing book challenges.

• Banned Books Week: This is an annual event held by the ALA and other organizations to raise awareness of book bans and censorship issues. It often features events and resources to support the freedom to read.

• Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF): While primarily focused on comics and graphic novels, CBLDF also fights against censorship and offers resources for understanding and combating book bans.

• EveryLibrary: EveryLibrary builds support for libraries and helps Americans fight book banning in their communities.

• Fight for the First: “Campaigns on Fight for the First will allow you to take action against book bans in your community and gain direct support from EveryLibrary. If you create a campaign on Fight for the First, EveryLibrary will help you reach more people in your community through our extensive supporter and partner network. We'll also help you get the training and support you need to win!”

• Freedom to Read Foundation (American Library Association): This organization is dedicated to the freedom to read and works on issues related to censorship affecting books and cultural materials.

• Kids' Right to Read Network (National Coalition Against Censorship): A joint project of the NCAC and ABFE, KRRP specifically focuses on challenges to books and other materials in schools and libraries.

• National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC): NCAC focuses on various forms of censorship, including that which affects art and cultural heritage.

• PEN America: “PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.”

• Unite Against Book Bans Action Toolkit: “A small but vocal group is driving the current flood of book bans in school and public libraries across the country. It's important to counter those voices by uniting in support of the freedom to read in your local community. How can you and your community unite against book bans? We've put together this action toolkit to help you get started.”

Form letter:

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Date]

[Librarian's Name]

[Library Name]

[Library Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Librarian's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my wholehearted support for your invaluable work as a librarian at [Library Name]. Your dedication to fostering knowledge, diversity, and the free exchange of ideas is commendable, and it has not gone unnoticed.

In these challenging times, it has come to my attention that you and your colleagues are facing criticism, hostility, and attempts to ban or restrict books and materials. I want to assure you that your unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom and the right of all individuals to access a diverse array of information is deeply appreciated.

I am especially impressed by your commitment to upholding these principles in the face of efforts to target materials representing marginalized groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community and BIPOC. Your advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and social justice, despite the challenges you encounter, is truly commendable.

I firmly believe in the essential role librarians play in enriching our communities, promoting inclusivity, and defending the fundamental values of intellectual freedom and democracy. Your work as a librarian is an embodiment of these principles.

Please know that you have my wholehearted support and admiration. I stand in solidarity with you and your colleagues at [Library or School Name]. Keep up the vital work you are doing, and may you continue to be a beacon of knowledge, reason, and enlightenment for all in our community.

If there is anything I can do to assist or support you in your mission, please do not hesitate to reach out. You have my deepest gratitude and respect.

Thank you once again for your unwavering dedication and service to our community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Announcing the Recipients of VRA Awards!

VRA is proud to announce its two highest honors presented at the 41st annual conference in San Antonio, Texas on September 27th, 2023! 

Distinguished Service Award

Each year, VRA honors an individual who has made an outstanding career contribution to the field with the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). The 2023 DSA was proudly presented to Greg Reser, University of California, San Diego’s Art Library Image Cataloger/Metadata Specialist (retired). Reser richly deserves the DSA for his metadata expertise, technical vision, advanced research, innovative developments, generous collaboration, and dedication to the field of Visual Resources

As nominators Jackie Spafford and Sonja Sekely-Rowland remarked, “It is hard to imagine where our field would be today were it not for Greg’s innovations, energy and generosity. His are the definition of ‘career contributions,’ with an ongoing impact and a legacy that others will continue to learn from and build on for years to come.”

Nomination Speech Transcript, Jackie Spafford and Sonja Sekely-Rowland

Acceptance Speech Transcript, Greg Reser

---

Honorary Life Membership Award

Special Honorary Life Memberships (HLM) are awarded to individuals by the Executive Board in recognition of eminent distinction in the field. The tenth ever HLM was presented to Jenni Rodda in recognition of her diligent leadership, generous mentorship, and outstanding, career-long dedication to the field of visual resources. Rodda was the Manager of Digital Media and Computer Services at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University for 36 years, only having recently retired. In her acceptance speech, Jenni said, “speaking, writing, leading, mentoring, learning. These are the skills I honed through VRA. I hope the Association benefitted from my work; I know I benefitted from being a VRA member.” 

Nomination Speech Transcript, John Taormina

Acceptance Speech Transcript, Jenni Rodda

---

Congratulations to the very deserving 2023 VRA Awards recipients and sincere thanks to their thoughtful nominators!

A full report of all the 2023 awards is scheduled for the next issue of the VRA Bulletin, Fall/Winter Vol. 50 No. 2 (2023). 

Announcing the VRA Travel Awards Endowment! ✈

The Visual Resources Association (VRA) is thrilled to announce the establishment of the Travel Awards Endowment. Founded through the generosity of a fellow VRA member, the fund provides long-term support for the Travel Awards program. 

We’re off to a great start, but we need your help to grow the endowment! 💰💰💰

Our goal is to get the Travel Awards Endowment to its first milestone, $15,000, by the end of 2023. To get us rolling, the donor has generously offered $5,000 as a base fund. To provide additional inspiration to potential supporters, they have also agreed to match the first $5,000 in donations. 🎉

Since sharing news of the endowment at the annual conference last week we have received $1,800 in contributions from our community, which will be matched. That means the fund currently stands at $8,600 in pledges. Help us make our goal of $15,000 by donating today!

All donations made toward the fund increase the total amount of funding available to the Travel Awards program each year. Your tax-deductible contribution enriches the professional lives of your visual resources colleagues by making conference participation more accessible. Many of us have benefited from the Travel Awards program; it’s time to give back! 

No donation is too small--and remember, whatever you give will be doubled until we hit $5,000 in matching funds!

Please consider donating today. 💙

DONATE TO THE TRAVEL AWARDS ENDOWMENT

2023-2024 VRA Project Grant Call for Applications

The Visual Resources Association (VRA) is pleased to invite applications for the 2023-2024 VRA Project Grant. Applications are accepted September 18 - November 3, 2023.

The Project Grant awards up to $3,000 to support projects in the field of visual resources and image management. The project must be completed within one year from the time the grant is formally accepted. The funds may be used for stand-alone projects or pilots, start-up financing for larger projects, or for a component of a larger project. Collaborative projects and those proposed by groups, whether or not affiliated with an organization or institution, are encouraged. Of particular interest are innovative projects with results that can have a broad impact and be shared with the global community. Categories to be considered for funding include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Metadata for Visual Media

• Visual Media Cataloguing Standards

• Visual Media Data Standards

• Digitization Projects of Special or Unique Collections (Educational Institutions, Libraries, Museums)

• Visual Literacy

• Technology Development for Visual Media Management and Pedagogy

• Intellectual Property Rights

A complete description of the Project Grant and application instructions are available at https://www.vraweb.org/project-grant.

Please share this announcement with anyone who might be interested.

Announcing the 2023-2024 VRA Internship Award Recipient

The Visual Resources Association (VRA) is pleased to announce the 2023-2024 VRA Internship Award in visual resources and image management. This award was generously funded by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. Marco Lanier, a graduate student at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts, is the recipient of the 11th Internship Award. He will receive $3,000 to work a minimum of 200 hours at The History Project, which is a volunteer-driven organization that maintains one of the largest independent LGBTQ+ archives in the nation.

Through his internship, Marco will digitize a selection of visual resources from The History Project's collection of Gay Community News (GCN), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and make the selection accessible through the archives' digital collections platform. GCN is an influential Boston-based newspaper that reported on LGBTQ+ life and issues across the US. As part of the newspaper's 50th anniversary, The History Project is organizing a series of panel discussions about GCN in collaboration with the Massachusetts Historical Society. Digitizing and ensuring access to these materials will be of considerable value to the public and enhance the impact of The History Project’s public programming, education, and outreach efforts.  

The VRA is pleased to support the education and practical training of emerging professionals through this internship award. The Internship Award Committee (Linda Callahan, Liz Gadelha, and Sagan Thacker, our previous awardee) appreciates the careful thought that went into every proposal. We are grateful to the Kress Foundation for its assistance and for recognizing the potential of this award to foster the next generation of visual resource professionals.

VRA 2023: Save the date for the Awards Ceremony! ✨🏆✨

Please join the celebration of this year’s recipients of the VRA’s Honorary Life Members Award, Distinguished Service Award, and vrcHost Membership Awards at the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, at 5:00pm CDT.

This exciting event will be accessible on Zoom and in-person at the San Antonio conference. Non-conference attendees are also warmly invited to attend. If you would like to attend online but are not registered for the conference, please click the link below to register to attend the Awards Ceremony at no cost. 

Awards Ceremony Registration

For more information about the Awards Committee, including descriptions of all the awards, lists of previous recipients, and requirements for nomination, please visit the Awards Committee webpage. 

It isn’t too early to think ahead to next year. If you would you like to see someone recognized for significant contributions to the VR field, you may send an e-mail of intent or query to the Awards Committee, or you may complete the preliminary scouting form. 

We look forward to celebrating with you!

The VRA Awards Committee

VRA 2023: Black History River Boat Tour

Does our conference logo have you dreaming of a boat cruise down the San Antonio River? We are excited to bring that dream to life in a very special way! 

Join the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) for a private river cruise as a part of your VRA 2023 experience. SAAACAM’s Black History River Boat Tour is 90 minutes long and provides an untold perspective of African American influence on events and locations alongside the picturesque banks of the historic River Walk.

Our tour will take place Thursday, September 28th, at 6 p.m and is limited to 30 people. Registration is $25. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes, allowing us to see the sun set on the banks of the San Antonio River. Please note that this tour is not included in your conference registration and must be registered for separately.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this voyage through history – secure your registration now before the limited spots fill up!

Tour details:

Passengers will meet up at 218 S. Presa at the back patio of SAAACAM’s downtown exhibit space located in the La Villita historic arts village in building #20. Plaza Nacional is the name of the small plaza just off their back patio. Passengers must arrive at the meet-up location no later than 6, and the boat departs the dock at 6:30 p.m.

Questions about the registration form? Please contact Membership Services Coordinator Lise Hawkos at join@vraweb.org if you need help to complete your registration.  

VRA 2023: These Boots Were Made for Walking 👢✨

As you prepare for a week of learning and networking at this year’s VRA conference, don't miss out on the chance to experience some of the best that San Antonio has to offer. No car? No problem. Here's a rundown of ten local attractions just a short jaunt from our homebase at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk.

1. River Walk: This one's a no-brainer. Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque San Antonio River, lined with cobblestone pathways, lush greenery, restaurants, and cafes. 

2. The Alamo: [7-minute walk] You’ve definitely heard of it, but no trip to San Antonio is complete without a visit to the Alamo. 

3. Briscoe Western Art Museum: [8-minute walk] Dive into the history and artistry of the American West at the Briscoe Museum. 

4. La Villita Historic Arts Village: [10-minute walk] This tranquil city park is a National Historic District, featuring over 25 galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

5. San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM, pronounced “say-cam”): [10-minute walk] Delve into the rich and often untold history of San Antonio's African American community, which is deeply intertwined with the city’s development.

6. River Walk Public Art Garden: [12-minute walk] As you wander along the River Walk, make sure to pause at the Public Art Garden. This outdoor gallery showcases a curated collection of sculptures and installations by local and international artists. 

7. Historic Market Square (El Mercado): [13-minute walk] When you're ready for a change of pace, venture over to Market Square, a lively marketplace just minutes from our conference venue.

8. Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair [14-minute walk] Enjoy a stroll through this dynamic urban park with interactive art, lush greenery, games, and several spots to eat and drink.

9. San Antonio Museum of Art: [24-minute walk} Explore Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Latin American, and contemporary collections in the former Lone Star Brewery.

10. Historic Pearl District: [35-minute walk] Extend your exploration a little further to the historic Pearl District, a former brewery turned vibrant mixed-use development. Enjoy strolls along the River Walk extension, explore unique boutiques, and discover a plethora of dining options. 

 Are you ready, boots? Stay tuned for more recommendations from the Local Planning Committee!

Contributor:
Maria Nuccilli

Junior Director for Events & Initiatives

Digital Collections Librarian, Wayne State University Library System