OPPORTUNITY: VRA Bulletin Content Editor
The Executive Board is now accepting applications for the position of Content Editor for the VRA Bulletin, our association’s open access journal! We encourage all members to consider this opportunity to gain experience in editorial work, writing, open access, and electronic publishing. The Bulletin is published twice per year and the Content Editor is compensated $750 per issue. The Content Editor’s term length is four years in order to ensure continuity of Bulletin leadership, but the term length may be renewed or reduced subject to Board approval.The term will officially commence in July 2022, with the incoming Content Editor taking responsibility for the Fall/Winter issue after training with current Content Editor Jasmine Burns over the summer. They will also have the advantage of partnering with the VRA Bulletin Production Editor Amy Lazet and working closely with peer reviewers and copy editors.The board would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jasmine for their service to the Bulletin! Over the past two years many in our community had conference panels canceled or converted to a virtual format. By encouraging the adaptation of these presentations into articles, Jasmine and Amy were able to solicit wonderful content for the Bulletin.The mission of the VRA Bulletin is to serve the membership of the VRA by providing a professional forum for the discussion and dissemination of ideas and information directly related to the field of visual resources. It is a journal of professional practice documenting the research, ideas, projects, activities, and history of the Visual Resources Association as well as the broader work of information professionals in image management. Articles authored by members of the Association and like-minded information professionals from outside VRA cover a wide range of topics including:
- digital imaging and digital projects
- cataloging and classification systems
- historical collections and archives
- digital humanities
- data standards
- education and professional development
- intellectual property rights and copyright
- library systems
- collection development
- digital curation and preservation
- visual literacy and instruction
- professional standards and ethics
A detailed charge and characteristic duties and responsibilities of the position follow below. To apply, please send a brief statement of interest, highlighting your relevant experience and skills, to Margaret McKee, VRA Public Relations and Communications Officer.The deadline for applications is Thursday, May 12, 2022.***Content Editor, VRA Bulletin Charge:To solicit and select news articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication and to manage content uploaded to the electronic journal system. Partners with the Production Editor to plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the VRA Bulletin in electronic form.Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:The VRA Bulletin Content Editor is appointed by and reports to the VRA Executive Board. The term of appointment is four years and any change in term is subject to Board approval. The term may be renewed or reduced by the Board. The VRA Bulletin Content Editor works in conjunction with the Production Editor.General
- In partnership with the Production Editor, plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the electronic VRA Bulletin.
- Develop and maintain editorial staff, peer reviewers, and occasional guest editors.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with Executive Board, Production Editor, Membership Services Coordinator, and attend Communications and Publications Group meetings at the annual conference whenever possible.
- Maintain VRA Bulletin editorial working files related to content.
Editorial
- Define and develop the content of the publication.
- Send out calls for content at least two times a year.
- Solicit and select articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication.
- Work with editorial staff to review content and ask authors for revisions or copy editing.
- Make final decisions on the content for each issue.
- Oversee the progress of materials for publication, including editing for style, content, and organization.
- Write publication copy as needed.
- Communicate with the Production Editor on content readiness.
Administration
- Prepare the Mid-Year and Annual reports for the Executive Board with the Production Editor and include any budgetary information and requests.
- Work with the Executive Board to keep the electronic journal current with trends in electronic scholarship.
Call for Peer Reviewers
Dear VRA Colleagues,Do you enjoy giving constructive feedback? Are you looking for new ways to expand your resume and skills? Volunteer to be a peer reviewer for the VRA Bulletin! In preparation for my term as Content Editor, I am currently seeking a pool of reviewers for upcoming issues. The time commitment is relatively low (a few hours at most per article) and the reward of contributing to the literature of our field is extremely high. Turnaround time for an article is 2-3 weeks.If you are interested in putting your name on the list, please send me an email at jburns@cornell.edu with a list of at least three topics from the Bulletin categories (column on the right) in which you might consider yourself an expert (don’t be modest, you are an expert!).There are at least three articles in our queue that need peer reviewing ASAP, so if you have availability to review in the next month please indicate that in your email as well.Many thanks,JasmineJasmine BurnsVisual Resources Metadata LibrarianLibrary Technical ServicesCornell University
Exciting VRA Bulletin News
Reminder: Choose Your Own VRA Adventure and Apply Today
Reminder: Applications are due Monday, February 10.
Dear VRA colleagues,
It's a new year and a great time to reflect on your career path and your professional development goals. Have you considered charting a course that benefits both you and the VRA? Serving as an appointee for the VRA strengthens your leadership abilities and helps you learn new skills that easily transfer to the workplace. The VRA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community and all members are encouraged to apply.The VRA Executive Board is now accepting applications for two engaging and rewarding appointee positions: Jobs Digest Coordinator and VRA Bulletin Content Editor. Which one is right for you?Jobs Digest CoordinatorAre you interested in learning more about how the profession is expanding and changing in exciting ways? Perhaps you would like to serve the VRA and build your resume while you job hunt? This volunteer appointment may be the ideal opportunity for you.Charge: The Jobs Digest Coordinator compiles and distributes job and paid internship opportunities to all interested parties, highlighting the diverse nature of available positions in the field. The Jobs Digest Coordinator reports to the Public Relations and Communications Officer.For more details, see the characteristic duties and responsibilities of this position below.The two-year term will commence on March 25, 2020 at the Annual Business Meeting in Baltimore. You need not be present at the conference to serve. The candidate will have the opportunity to train with the current Jobs Digest Coordinator Kendra Werst to make the transition a smooth one. Kendra has done an exceptional job and the board is most grateful for her service and that of Jasmine Burns, the originator of the digest.VRA Bulletin Content EditorWould you like to develop leadership skills in digital publishing and open access? Do you have a passion for writing and editorial work looking for an outlet? Does your employer place high value on your editorial and publishing pursuits? This paid appointment may be an excellent match.
Charge: To solicit and select news articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication and to manage content uploaded to the electronic journal system. Partners with the Production Editor to plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the VRA Bulletin in electronic form.
For more details, see the characteristic duties and responsibilities of this position below.The three-year term will officially commence on March 25, 2020 at the Annual Business Meeting in Baltimore. You need not be present at the conference to serve. The Bulletin is published twice per year and the Content Editor is compensated $750 per issue. The candidate will have the opportunity to train with current Content Editor Hannah Marshall. The board wishes to express our most sincere gratitude to Hannah for her service to the Bulletin as both Content Editor and Production Editor over the past four years. The Content Editor will also have the advantage of partnering with the VRA Bulletin Production Editor Amy Lazet and working closely with peer reviewers and copy editors.The mission of the VRA Bulletin is to serve the membership of the VRA by providing a professional forum for the discussion and dissemination of ideas and information directly related to the field of visual resources. It is a journal of professional practice documenting the research, ideas, projects, activities, and history of the Visual Resources Association as well as the broader work of information professionals in image management. Articles authored by members of the Association and like-minded information professionals from outside VRA, cover a wide range of topics including: digital imaging and digital projects; cataloging and classification systems; historical collections and archives; digital humanities; data standards; education and professional development; intellectual property rights and copyright; library systems; collection development; digital curation and preservation; visual literacy and instruction; and, professional standards and ethics.How to Apply for Either Position:Please send a brief statement of interest, highlighting relevant experience and/or skills to Amy McKenna (info@vraweb.org).The deadline for applications is Monday, February 10, 2020. Thank you for considering these vital and rewarding positions.Amy McKennaPublic Relations and Communications Officer, VRA Executive Board Jobs Digest CoordinatorCharacteristic Duties and Responsibilities: The Jobs Digest Coordinator is responsible for collecting relevant job and paid internship opportunities and compiling a weekly digest sent via a digital marketing platform, currently Mailchimp. This board-appointed position searches for job postings on websites such as indeed, LinkedIn jobs, Metro 599, and other relevant sites, and also subscribes to other job digests, such as Archives Gig. The coordinator also receives opportunities emailed directly to them via jobs@vraweb.org. The scope of available positions is kept intentionally broad to not limit the definition of the field. Positions are added to a digital newsletter template, which frequently includes VRA marketing messages such as conference travel awards, VRA Foundation internship awards, etc. The VRA Jobs Digest is scheduled for delivery weekly and the coordinator manages the mailing list, which also allows for self-subscription and removal options, and the digest archive. This position interacts with the Social Media Manager and the Website Content Manager to feature the jobs digest on VRA social media and VRAweb.org.The term of appointment is two years with the possibility of renewal upon request. Annual reports to the Executive Board are required and the board reserves the right to request a Mid-Year report. The Jobs Digest Coordinator should expect to spend 2 hours or less per week in this capacity.VRA Bulletin Content EditorCharacteristic Duties and Responsibilities:The VRA Bulletin Content Editor is appointed by and reports to the VRA Executive Board. The term of appointment is four years and any change in term is subject to board approval. The term may be renewed or reduced by the board. The VRA Bulletin Content Editor works in conjunction with the Production Editor.General
- In partnership with the Production Editor, plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the electronic VRA Bulletin.
- Develop and maintain editorial staff, peer reviewers, and occasional guest editors.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with Executive Board, Production Editor, Membership Services Coordinator, and attend Communications and Publications Group meetings at the annual conference whenever possible.
- Maintain VRA Bulletin editorial working files related to content.
Editorial
- Define and develop the content of the publication.
- Send out calls for content at least two times a year.
- Solicit and select articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication.
- Work with editorial staff to review content and ask authors for revisions or copy editing.
- Make final decisions on the content for each issue.
- Oversee the progress of materials for publication, including editing for style, content, and organization.
- Write publication copy as needed.
- Communicate with the Production Editor on content readiness.
Administration
- Prepare the Mid-Year and Annual reports for the Executive Board with the Production Editor and include any budgetary information and requests.
- Work with the Executive Board to keep the electronic journal current with trends in electronic scholarship.
Choose Your Own VRA Adventure and Apply Today
Dear VRA colleagues,It's a new year and a great time to reflect on your career path and your professional development goals. Have you considered charting a course that benefits both you and the VRA? Serving as an appointee for the VRA strengthens your leadership abilities and helps you learn new skills that easily transfer to the workplace. The VRA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community and all members are encouraged to apply.
The VRA Executive Board is now accepting applications for two engaging and rewarding appointee positions: Jobs Digest Coordinator and VRA Bulletin Content Editor. Which one is right for you?
Jobs Digest CoordinatorAre you interested in learning more about how the profession is expanding and changing in exciting ways? Perhaps you would like to serve the VRA and build your resume while you job hunt? This volunteer appointment may be the ideal opportunity for you.
Charge: The Jobs Digest Coordinator compiles and distributes job and paid internship opportunities to all interested parties, highlighting the diverse nature of available positions in the field. The Jobs Digest Coordinator reports to the Public Relations and Communications Officer.
For more details, see the characteristic duties and responsibilities of this position below.
The two-year term will commence on March 25, 2020 at the Annual Business Meeting in Baltimore. You need not be present at the conference to serve. The candidate will have the opportunity to train with the current Jobs Digest Coordinator Kendra Werst to make the transition a smooth one. Kendra has done an exceptional job and the board is most grateful for her service and that of Jasmine Burns, the originator of the digest.
VRA Bulletin Content Editor
Would you like to develop leadership skills in digital publishing and open access? Do you have a passion for writing and editorial work looking for an outlet? Does your employer place high value on your editorial and publishing pursuits? This paid appointment may be an excellent match.
Charge: To solicit and select news articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication and to manage content uploaded to the electronic journal system. Partners with the Production Editor to plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the VRA Bulletin in electronic form.
For more details, see the characteristic duties and responsibilities of this position below.
The three-year term will officially commence on March 25, 2020 at the Annual Business Meeting in Baltimore. You need not be present at the conference to serve. The Bulletin is published twice per year and the Content Editor is compensated $750 per issue. The candidate will have the opportunity to train with current Content Editor Hannah Marshall. The board wishes to express our most sincere gratitude to Hannah for her service to the Bulletin as both Content Editor and Production Editor over the past four years. The Content Editor will also have the advantage of partnering with the VRA Bulletin Production Editor Amy Lazet and working closely with peer reviewers and copy editors.The mission of the VRA Bulletin is to serve the membership of the VRA by providing a professional forum for the discussion and dissemination of ideas and information directly related to the field of visual resources. It is a journal of professional practice documenting the research, ideas, projects, activities, and history of the Visual Resources Association as well as the broader work of information professionals in image management. Articles authored by members of the Association and like-minded information professionals from outside VRA, cover a wide range of topics including: digital imaging and digital projects; cataloging and classification systems; historical collections and archives; digital humanities; data standards; education and professional development; intellectual property rights and copyright; library systems; collection development; digital curation and preservation; visual literacy and instruction; and, professional standards and ethics.How to Apply for Either Position:Please send a brief statement of interest, highlighting relevant experience and/or skills to Amy McKenna (info@vraweb.org).The deadline for applications is Monday, February 10, 2020. Thank you for considering these vital and rewarding positions.Amy McKennaPublic Relations and Communications Officer, VRA Executive BoardJobs Digest CoordinatorCharacteristic Duties and Responsibilities: The Jobs Digest Coordinator is responsible for collecting relevant job and paid internship opportunities and compiling a weekly digest sent via a digital marketing platform, currently Mailchimp. This board-appointed position searches for job postings on websites such as indeed, LinkedIn jobs, Metro 599, and other relevant sites, and also subscribes to other job digests, such as Archives Gig. The coordinator also receives opportunities emailed directly to them via jobs@vraweb.org. The scope of available positions is kept intentionally broad to not limit the definition of the field. Positions are added to a digital newsletter template, which frequently includes VRA marketing messages such as conference travel awards, VRA Foundation internship awards, etc. The VRA Jobs Digest is scheduled for delivery weekly and the coordinator manages the mailing list, which also allows for self-subscription and removal options, and the digest archive. This position interacts with the Social Media Manager and the Website Content Manager to feature the jobs digest on VRA social media and VRAweb.org.The term of appointment is two years with the possibility of renewal upon request. Annual reports to the Executive Board are required and the board reserves the right to request a Mid-Year report. The Jobs Digest Coordinator should expect to spend 2 hours or less per week in this capacity.VRA Bulletin Content EditorCharacteristic Duties and Responsibilities:The VRA Bulletin Content Editor is appointed by and reports to the VRA Executive Board. The term of appointment is four years and any change in term is subject to board approval. The term may be renewed or reduced by the board. The VRA Bulletin Content Editor works in conjunction with the Production Editor.General
- In partnership with the Production Editor, plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the electronic VRA Bulletin.
- Develop and maintain editorial staff, peer reviewers, and occasional guest editors.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with Executive Board, Production Editor, Membership Services Coordinator, and attend Communications and Publications Group meetings at the annual conference whenever possible.
- Maintain VRA Bulletin editorial working files related to content.
Editorial
- Define and develop the content of the publication.
- Send out calls for content at least two times a year.
- Solicit and select articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication.
- Work with editorial staff to review content and ask authors for revisions or copy editing.
- Make final decisions on the content for each issue.
- Oversee the progress of materials for publication, including editing for style, content, and organization.
- Write publication copy as needed.
- Communicate with the Production Editor on content readiness.
Administration
- Prepare the Mid-Year and Annual reports for the Executive Board with the Production Editor and include any budgetary information and requests.
- Work with the Executive Board to keep the electronic journal current with trends in electronic scholarship
Call for Content: VRA Bulletin - Fall/Winter Issue
Dear VRA Colleagues,
We are still accepting submissions for our Fall/Winter 2019 issue!
Because the Bulletin offers a hybrid peer review model, we can continue to accept submissions for non-peer reviewed articles through November 8th, 2019.
*If you’re interested in serving as a peer reviewer for articles in this issue, please volunteer via email by writing to the Content Editor, Hannah Marshall at marshall.hannah.marie@gmail.com
The Bulletin publishes a wide range of article types that correspondingly range in length - some rough guidelines to keep in mind:
- Feature articles: 2,000 - 5,000 words
- Perspectives (opinion pieces): 1,000 - 3,000 words
- Case studies & project updates: 500 - 2,000 words
- Reviews: 250 - 1,000 words
- Association news & reports - any length
There are two ways to get started publishing in the VRA Bulletin:
1. If you’d like to run your article idea by the editors before getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Content Editor, Hannah Marshall (marshall.hannah.marie@gmail.com)
2. If your article is written and ready-to-go, upload it directly to our online journal system by following these instructions
Sincerely,
Hannah Marshall, Content Editor
Amy Lazet, Production Editor
Submissions Are Now Being Accepted for the VRA Bulletin Fall/Winter 2019 Issue
We are now accepting submissions for our Fall/Winter 2019 issue!
Because the Bulletin offers a hybrid peer review model, we can offer staggered submission deadlines based on whether or not an author is seeking peer review for their submission:
- Deadline for peer articles seeking peer review: October 15th, 2019
- Deadline for articles not seeking peer review: November 8th, 2019
*If you’re interested in serving as a peer reviewer, please volunteer via email by writing to the Content Editor, Hannah Marshall at marshall.hannah.marie@gmail.com
The Bulletin publishes a wide range of article types that correspondingly range in length - some rough guidelines to keep in mind:
- Feature articles: 2,000 - 5,000 words
- Perspectives (opinion pieces): 1,000 - 3,000 words
- Case studies & project updates: 500 - 2,000 words
- Reviews: 250 - 1,000 words
- Association news & reports - any length
There are two ways to get started publishing in the VRA Bulletin:
1. If you’d like to run your article idea by the editors before getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Content Editor, Hannah Marshall (marshall.hannah.marie@gmail.com)
2. If your article is written and ready-to-go, upload it directly to our online journal system by following these instructions
Hannah Marshall, Content Editor
Amy Lazet, Production Editor
VRA Bulletin: Call for Content, Inaugural Open Access Issue
Dear Colleagues,
As part of the VRA Bulletin’s hybrid peer-review model, we’re able to continue accepting non-peer reviewed article submissions for the Spring 2019 issue through Friday, May 24th! The Spring 2019 Issue will be published in June as our inaugural Open Access issue.
We especially hope that, if you presented at VRA, you’ll take this additional window to adapt your presentation into an article. The Bulletin is flexible with the format and length of non-peer reviewed submissions, but some broad guidelines are listed below:
- Feature articles: 2,000 - 5,000 words
- Perspectives (opinion pieces): 1,000 - 3,000 words
- Case studies & project updates: 500 - 2,000 words
- Reviews: 250 - 1,000 words
- Association news & reports - any length
There are two ways to get started publishing in the VRA Bulletin:
1. If you’d like to run your article idea by the editors before getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Content Editor, Hannah Marshall (marshall.hannah.marie@gmail.com)
2. If your article is written and ready-to-go, upload it directly to our online journal system by following these instructions
Sincerely,
Hannah Marshall, Content Editor
Amy Lazet, Production Editor
VRAB Spring Issue - deadline extended!
Dear Colleagues,
In light of the recently published VRA Bulletin Special Issue on Metadata (Cataloging Today: Enlarging the Sphere) we’ve decided to relax the deadline for our next issue which will now be published in June 2019. This means that we can reopen the call for content!
The new deadline for article submissions is Tuesday, April 30th!
We hope this will be especially welcome news to those of you presenting at spring conferences and organizing Art+Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thons this month!
There are two ways to get started publishing in the VRA Bulletin:
1. If you’d like to run your article idea by the editors before getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Content Editor, Hannah Marshall (marshall.hannah.marie@gmail.com)
2. If your article is written and ready-to-go, upload it directly to our online journal system by following these instructions
In addition to being openly accessible, the Bulletin now offers a hybrid peer-review model in which authors can select whether or not to have a submission peer-reviewed. If you’re interested in serving as a peer reviewer, please reach out to the Content Editor. Many thanks to those who have already volunteered!
This call is open to a wide variety of article types including but not limited to:
- Scholarly articles
- Case studies
- Editorials
- Reviews of books and other resources
- We particularly recommend this category for students and early professionals looking to get publication experience!
- Project updates
- Reports from working groups and professional organizations
Sincerely,
Hannah Marshall, Content Editor
Amy Lazet, Production Editor
VRA Bulletin Call for Content: Spring 2019 Open Access Issue!
The VRA Bulletin is recruiting content for its first ever Open Access issue due out in Spring 2019!
In addition to being openly accessible, the Bulletin now offers a hybrid peer-review model in which authors can select whether or not to have a submission peer-reviewed.
If you’re interested in serving as a reviewer, please reach out to the Content Editor, Hannah Marshall.
In light of the Bulletin’s expanded access and peer-review option, this call is open to a wide variety of article types including but not limited to:
- Scholarly articles
- Case studies
- Editorials
- Reviews of books and other resources
- Project updates
- Reports from working groups and professional organizations
Examples of timely topics that we’d welcome articles on (and which you may already be thinking about and working on...):
- Spring conference presentations (the VRAB editorial team is happy to work with presenters to adapt papers, posters, and talks into articles!)
- Art + Feminism Wikipedia edit-a-thons
- DPLA
- Visual resources in institutional repositories
- Digitization projects - whether in-house, grant-funded, outsourced, collaborative, etc.
- Others!
Articles should be submitted using the online system by Friday, March 1st.
The editors are available to discuss and advise on topic ideas prior to submission, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Sincerely,
Hannah Marshall, Content Editor
Amy Lazet, Production Editor
Read the Latest Issue of the VRA Bulletin: Available Now to Members
The newest issue of the VRA Bulletin is now available! See the issue at: https://online.vraweb.org/vrab/ or click on one of the direct links below. Many thanks to the contributors for all of their hard work! This is one of our largest issues ever!If you’re interested in publishing in the Bulletin, consider submitting an abstract for our upcoming Special Themed Issue: “Cataloging Today: Enlarging the Sphere” slated for publication in Winter 2018/19. For more information, or to submit an abstract, please contact Guest Editor, Susan Jane Williams.To submit an article idea for the Spring 2019 issue, you can reach out to Hannah Marshall to discuss an article idea or review the submission steps and guidelines on the VRAB site.Maureen Burns, Content EditorHannah Marshall, Production EditorAmy Lazet, Incoming Production EditorAssociation News2018 VRA State of the Association Address by Jen W. GreenVisual Resources Association Treasurer’s 2018 Report - Jeannine Keefer, PhDCataloging and Metadata Practices Survey Report - Zoe Waldon, Greg Reser, Margaret N. Webster, Layna White, Susan Jane Williams, and Lynda WhiteFeature ArticlesBasics of Photogrammetry for VR Professionals: 3D Visualization of Cultural Heritage Objects by Otto Luna (Peer Reviewed)Preserving the Layers: Storage and Metadata for Geographic Information Systems by Jonathan D. Cartledge (Peer Reviewed)Maximizing Metadata: Embedded Metadata Tools by Marcia M. Focht (Peer Reviewed)Preserving and Integrating Conservation Photography at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields as the 2016-2017 VRAF Intern by Rebecca Pattillo (Peer Reviewed)Intellectual Property Rights and New Media Art by Heather Seneff (Peer Reviewed)Information as Capital: The Commodification of Archives and Library Labor by Jasmine Burns (Peer Reviewed)PerspectivesInstant Architecture: Hosted Access to the Archivision Research Library with Built-in Image Management and Presentation Tools by Maureen A. Burns Ed.D. and Andreas Knab (Peer Reviewed)Move Over Google Maps! Marin County Library is doing some serious mapping! by Jeff Hurn and Jack Schaeffer (Peer Reviewed)
Reminder: VRA Bulletin CFP: Cataloging Today: Enlarging the Sphere
Call for Papers: “Cataloging Today: Enlarging the Sphere”Special Themed Issue of the Visual Resources Association BulletinGuest Editor: Susan Jane Williams, Independent Cataloging and Consulting Co.Expected Date of Publication: December 2018 or January 2019 (Vol. 45, issue 2)This special themed issue of the VRA Bulletin on the state of cataloging today seeks to explore our cataloging practices in light of the global semantic web. (Using "cataloging" as a verb, the act of attaching textual values to an object or digital asset, whether that involves encoding or not.) There is a body of literature outlining automations in creating (i.e. extracting) catalog records in text-based collections to the point that human-created records are referred to as "manual." Should we assume that cataloging images and cultural heritage objects will remain a "manual" (or "supplemented manual") pursuit? What inroads have been made to match and extract information from images?Further, cataloging has frequently had a tie with larger economic pressures and been subject to periodic cost-cutting measures. How do administrators actually assess cataloging for value and for efficacy? Have digital humanities projects and "big data" changed that value (and for whom)? Has crowd sourcing and tagging by the public been effective in adding value? Has linked open data changed the assessment of professional cataloging value (and for whom)? Will linked open data and the global semantic web finally conquer the silo, and what are the implications for our profession? Will the utility of linked "big data" on the web supersede the more traditional concept of shared data? This issue is meant to explore the creation of catalog records, but articles about data analysis and data migration are also welcome.For the first round of article submissions, please send a one-page abstract to Susan Jane Williams at williams.susanjane@gmail.com by October 15, 2018.Thank You!
VRA Bulletin CFP: Cataloging Today: Enlarging the Sphere
Call for Papers: “Cataloging Today: Enlarging the Sphere”Special Themed Issue of the Visual Resources Association BulletinGuest Editor: Susan Jane Williams, Independent Cataloging and Consulting Co.Expected Date of Publication: December 2018 or January 2019 (Vol. 45, issue 2)This special themed issue of the VRA Bulletin on the state of cataloging today seeks to explore our cataloging practices in light of the global semantic web. (Using "cataloging" as a verb, the act of attaching textual values to an object or digital asset, whether that involves encoding or not.) There is a body of literature outlining automations in creating (i.e. extracting) catalog records in text-based collections to the point that human-created records are referred to as "manual." Should we assume that cataloging images and cultural heritage objects will remain a "manual" (or "supplemented manual") pursuit? What inroads have been made to match and extract information from images?Further, cataloging has frequently had a tie with larger economic pressures and been subject to periodic cost-cutting measures. How do administrators actually assess cataloging for value and for efficacy? Have digital humanities projects and "big data" changed that value (and for whom)? Has crowd sourcing and tagging by the public been effective in adding value? Has linked open data changed the assessment of professional cataloging value (and for whom)? Will linked open data and the global semantic web finally conquer the silo, and what are the implications for our profession? Will the utility of linked "big data" on the web supersede the more traditional concept of shared data? This issue is meant to explore the creation of catalog records, but articles about data analysis and data migration are also welcome.For the first round of article submissions, please send a one-page abstract to Susan Jane Williams at williams.susanjane@gmail.com by October 15, 2018.Thank You!
Announcing Our New VRA Bulletin Editors
It is the great pleasure of the VRA Executive Board to announce the appointment of not just one editor, but two editors to the VRA Bulletin team. First, we welcome a familiar face to a new role. After three years serving the VRA Bulletin as Production Editor, Hannah Marshall will be stepping into the role of Content Editor. Second, we are most pleased to welcome Amy Lazet to the Bulletin as Production Editor. Both terms will officially begin January 2019 with a period of shadowing and training this fall. We wish to thank all members who considered joining the Bulletin team.The Bulletin is experiencing an exciting time of growth with recent peer-review options and an upcoming transition to open access. The Board is most grateful to current Content Editor Maureen Burns for over four years of service and leadership with a vision to the future, including an attention to detail that will ensure a smooth transition this fall.Congratulations to Hannah and Amy and the journal itself whose future is in very good hands!
Apply to Be the Next VRA Bulletin Content Editor
Are you interested in developing leadership skills in digital publishing and open access?
The Executive Board is now accepting applications for the position of Content Editor for the VRA Bulletin. All members are encouraged to consider this important role for the VRA, especially if you have a background or strong interest in editorial work, writing, open access, and/or electronic publishing. The Bulletin is published twice per year and the Content Editor is compensated $750 per issue.
The term will officially commence in January 2019, upon completion of Volume 45, by our current VRA Bulletin Content Editor Maureen Burns. The candidate for Content Editor will have the opportunity to shadow and train with Maureen this fall in preparation for the transition in the new year. Maureen has done a superb job, leaving a legacy that includes implementing peer-review and laying the groundwork for open access, and the board wishes to express our most sincere gratitude. The Content Editor will also have the advantage of partnering with the VRA Bulletin Production Editor, currently Hannah Marshall, and working closely with peer reviewers and copy editors.
The mission of the VRA Bulletin is to serve the membership of the VRA by providing a professional forum for the discussion and dissemination of ideas and information directly related to the field of visual resources. It is a journal of professional practice documenting the research, ideas, projects, activities, and history of the Visual Resources Association as well as the broader work of information professionals in image management. Articles authored by members of the Association and like-minded information professionals from outside VRA, cover a wide range of topics including: digital imaging and digital projects; cataloging and classification systems; historical collections and archives; digital humanities; data standards; education and professional development; intellectual property rights and copyright; library systems; collection development; digital curation and preservation; visual literacy and instruction; and, professional standards and ethics.
A detailed charge and characteristic duties and responsibilities of the position follow below. To apply, please send a statement of interest and a short resume, highlighting your relevant education, experience, and any publications to Amy McKenna (info@vraweb.org) and/or Stephen Patton (VRA.Patton@gmail.com). Queries about the position may also be sent to Stephen or Amy, or directly to Maureen Burns (moaburns@gmail.com).
The deadline for applications is Wednesday, July 18.
Thank you for considering this vital and rewarding position.
Amy McKenna, VRA Public Relations and Communications Officer
Stephen Patton, VRA President
Content Editor, VRA Bulletin
Charge: To solicit and select news articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication and to manage content uploaded to the electronic journal system. Partners with the Production Editor to plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the VRA Bulletin in electronic form.Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:The VRA Bulletin Content Editor is appointed by and reports to the VRA Executive Board. The term of appointment is four years and any change in term is subject to Board approval. The term may be renewed or reduced by the Board. The VRA Bulletin Content Editor works in conjunction with the Production Editor.General
- In partnership with the Production Editor, plan and supervise the preparation and publication of the electronic VRA Bulletin.
- Develop and maintain editorial staff, peer reviewers, and occasional guest editors.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with Executive Board, Production Editor, Membership Services Coordinator, and serves as member of the informal Publications Special Interest Group.
- Maintain VRA Bulletin editorial working files related to content.
Editorial
- Define and develop the content of the publication.
- Send out calls for content at least two times a year.
- Solicit and select articles, professional information, and manuscripts for publication.
- Work with editorial staff to review content and ask authors for revisions or copy editing.
- Make final decisions on the content for each issue.
- Oversee the progress of materials for publication, including editing for style, content, and organization.
- Write publication copy as needed.
- Communicate with the Production Editor on content readiness.
Administration
- Prepare the Mid-Year and Annual reports for the Executive Board with the Production Editor and include any budgetary information and requests.
- Work with the Executive Board to keep the electronic journal current with trends in electronic scholarship.
VRA Bulletin Special Issue on Scope Drift
Volume 44 Issue 2 of the Visual Resources Association Bulletin is now available to members upon log in. This is a special issue on the topic of Scope Drift. In project management, "scope drift" describes the continuous expansion of the requirements, mission, and objectives of a project. In the field of visual resources, the drifting of professional scope can be both a force driving innovation and an indicator of change.The goal of organizing this special issue was to gather examples of scope drift as a constructive force that allows individuals and teams to leverage the breadth of their skills, cultivate opportunities, and effectively fulfill their professional and organizational mission in unexpected ways.In this issue:
- Translating Visual to Textual Resources: Editorial and Technological Support for Electronic Publishing by Maureen Burns
- Scope Drift? More of a Sharp Turn: Visual Resources Director One Day, Architecture Librarian the Next by Cynthia G. Frank
- Drifting with Professional Scope by Jen Green
- Designing for Scope, Embracing Drift: Customizing Metadata with Open-source Software and Grassroots Efforts by Carolyn J. Lucarelli and Thomas Swindle
- When Drift becomes Current: Collaborating to Expand Beyond the Visual by Mēgan Oliver and Kimberly Detterbeck
- Scope Shift: Cultivating Opportunity and Building Constituencies: Forays in Copyright, Fellowships, and Internships by Sonja Sekely-Rowland
If you are interested in publishing in the VRA Bulletin, please don't hesitate to review our submission guidelines or to reach out to the Content Editor, Maureen Burns. The next issue will be turned around quickly--deadline July 10th--and will include any Philadelphia conference content or other offerings with a plan to be published later in the Summer. We accept a wide variety of article types and now offer peer review. If you have any interest in being a reviewer, please contact us directly.Thank you to everyone who responded so enthusiastically to the Scope Drift themed issue.With best regards,Hannah MarshallVRA Bulletin Guest Content & Production EditorVisit the VRA Bulletin Dashboard: