Mentoring Spotlight: Allan Kohl
Allan Kohl is the Librarian, Visual Resources and Library Instruction, at Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD), and has been a VRA member for 26 years.Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and how you got into the field of visual resources?Over the past half-century, I’ve been a high school English teacher; then “Audio-Visual Services Librarian” in my first higher education job; then slide librarian and adjunct instructor in art history here at MCAD, gradually evolving into my current position, which is closer to many aspects of traditional library work, along with helping to manage the College's Archives.Which VRA mentoring activities did you participate in recently?Conference Mentor, Year-Round Mentor, and Year-Round Mentor for the Midwest Chapter Student Membership Scholarship Award.What services did you provide during your mentoring activities?Networking, professional guidance, and VRA Midwest Chapter Student Membership Scholarship Award mentoring. The latter seemed like a natural fit, in that I’m part of the selection committee for this award, and in looking over the applications I sometimes see specific ways I might help an applicant, based on that person’s career objectives.Briefly tell us about who you were matched with.I have tended to be matched with individuals who may be completing graduate degrees while also working at least part-time (on granted projects, etc.).What was your motivation for participating in the mentoring activities?Recruiting new, younger members to VRA to refresh our membership base, and helping first-time conferees have a rewarding experience.What aspects of the activities did you find the most valuable, and why?The opportunity to answer questions one-on-one. This is similar to what I do in reference work as part of my MCAD Library job, and it’s a natural segue into helping younger professionals navigate their integration into a peer community.Do you have any words of advice or wisdom for any of our members who may be thinking about participating in VRA's mentoring activities?Try it -- you'll like it!
You can meet Allan at VRA 2020 in Baltimore! Want to learn more about becoming a VRA mentor? Visit our Mentorship page! httpS://vraweb.org/opportunities/mentorship/Have you had a great VRA mentoring experience? We would love to hear about it! Contact the Mentor Coordinator to find out to share your story here!
Greetings from the VRA Equitable Action Committee
Greetings from the VRA Equitable Action Committee, formerly known as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, we are pleased to announce that after several engaging discussions, our newly formed committee arrived at a new name and charge.As a committee, we believe that equity should be prioritized as an important mission of our professional organization. Equitable solutions are accomplished not only by engaging in critical discussions on issues of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community, but also by actively developing strategies that create equitable opportunities for our members.Our new name, The Equitable Action Committee, was selected to reflect our active commitment to finding and instituting equitable solutions to these pressing issues.In addition, our new charge serves to communicate our commitment to action:
"The committee will advance and support an equitable, diverse, accessible, and inclusive association. With critical reflection and a steady eye on the future, this committee seeks to strengthen the association’s membership by welcoming, embracing, and supporting historically marginalized people, voices, and narratives. The committee also aims to educate and empower the association’s membership on issues of accessibility and disability inclusion opportunities. This committee will advise the Executive Board on creating equitable and inclusive practices."
Please consider joining our committee meeting at VRA 2020 in Baltimore or dropping by our table at the Community Partnership Event where we will be collecting your concerns related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. If you are unable to attend VRA2020 and have suggestions, you may fill out the form here (http://bit.ly/EAC2020).--The Equitable Action Committee (ea@vraweb.org)Lael Ensor-Bennett, Jackie Fleming, Katherina Fostano, Cindy Frank, Bonnie Rosenberg, Chelsea Stone, Andrew Wang, & Kendra Werst
VRA 2020 Baltimore: Save $100 off Conference Registration
550 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202(410) 234-0550 / 1-800-766-3782Block Name: Visual Resources Association 2020 Annual ConferenceGroup Code: 0329VSRSAS$149 per night, single/double occupancy, plus taxes and fees
Apply to be the VRA Jobs Digest Coordinator
Dear VRA Colleagues,
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.
Scholarships available for SEI 2020!
The Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) and the Visual Resources Association Foundation (VRAF), along with the SEI 2020 Implementation Team, are pleased to announce the Samuel H. Kress Foundation Scholarships for the 2020 Summer Educational Institute for Visual Resources and Image Management (SEI), to be held June 23-26, 2020 at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
The Samuel H. Kress Foundation is once again generously funding six scholarships for SEI 2020. This intensive workshop is designed to serve a wide range of information professionals eager to learn about best practices and new technologies and/or update job skills in the realm of digital collections management, as well as to provide significant networking and professional development opportunities. The comprehensive curriculum seeks to address the requirements of today's cultural heritage information professional, including hands-on and lecture modules presented by expert instructors. SEI provides new professionals, current library school students, and mid-career professionals from a wide range of related fields the opportunity to stay current in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Museum professionals, archivists, visual resources professionals, digital librarians, art and architecture librarians, digital project managers, current and recent graduate students, and others in related fields are all encouraged to attend.
Details:
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The six Kress Scholarship recipients will each receive $1000 towards the cost of SEI.
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Kress Scholarship applications are due by Monday, March 9, 2020.
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Recipients will be notified no later than Monday, March 30, 2020.
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Each Kress Scholarship recipient will be required to write a report detailing how they benefitted from SEI and the scholarship upon completion of SEI 2020.
Instructions:
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Submit a resume or curriculum vitae and a cover letter (no longer than two pages) describing the effect attending SEI would have on your studies and/or your career.
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All applications will be evaluated by three SEI co-chairs based on the criteria established for the award (including current or future career goals as well as financial need) and any additional directions from the Kress Foundation staff.
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Submit your application materials via e-mail in a single document (PDF preferred), using the following file naming convention: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_KRESS2020 to SEI 2020 Senior Co-Chair Courtney Baron at courtney.baron@louisville.
edu.
Best wishes,Courtney Baron, SEI 2020 Co-Chaircourtney.baron@louisville.eduBridget Madden, SEI 2020 Co-Chairbridgetm@uchicago.edu
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.
VRA 2020 Baltimore: Museums and Attractions
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum is the nation’s first and most comprehensive wax museum of African American history and culture.Located on the site of the University of Maryland’s first “Dental Infirmary and Laboratory Building,” which was then part of the Dental Department in the School of Medicine in 1882, the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry boasts an extensive 40,000 object collection of dental instruments and equipment, pop culture and personal oral care items, artwork, and everything in between.The B&O Railroad Museum holds the most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western hemisphere, and the Baltimore Museum of Industry celebrates Maryland’s industrial legacy and shows how innovation fuels ongoing progress.Opening day for Major League Baseball starts while the conference is in Baltimore. What could be more appropriate than a trip to the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum or Oriole Park at Camden Yards?If you have access to a car head out to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and the towns of Ellicott City, Annapolis, or Washington D.C.For more information as well as additional venues to visit, see our Baltimore museums and attractions list.*Denotes discount with your conference badge! Also available at the Jewish Museum of Maryland and the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House.
VRA 2020 Baltimore: Announcing our Convocation Speaker Ashley Minner
The VRA Executive Board is pleased to announce that the Visual Resources Association Foundation Legacy Lecture will be given by Ashley Minner.
Ashley Minner is a community based visual artist from Baltimore, Maryland. An enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, she has been active in the Baltimore Lumbee community for many years, and regularly visits communities throughout the U.S South and Latin America as well. Ashley is a professor of the practice and folklorist in the Department of American Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she also serves as the inaugural director of the minor in Public Humanities. She is a doctoral candidate in the Department of American Studies at University of Maryland College Park, where she is completing her dissertation on the changing relationship between Baltimore’s Lumbee community and the neighborhood where they first settled.
Learn more about Ashley Minner here, http://ashleyminnerart.com/ and take her walking tour of the Lumbee neighborhood.
Join us Wednesday, March 25th from 4-6pm for the VRA Convocation.The Convocation begins with recognition of the Association’s honors and awards recipients, along with the generous donors who have made these awards available, followed by Ashley Minner's lecture titled “Repatriating the Archives: An Urban Reservation Reunion.”
The Board hopes that Ashley Minner’s insights, in conjunction with other conference content, will prompt dialogue and new forms of inquiry into questions of representation and inclusion we encounter in our institutions. Following the presentation, join Minner and conference attendees for the Convocation Reception to forge new connections.
Want to know more about the VRA 2020 Baltimore Annual Conference? Visit the Schedule here https://vra2020.sched.com/ and feel free to contact me!
VRA Activities at CAA in Chicago
The CAA conference in Chicago is approaching fast. For those of you fortunate enough to be able to attend this year. Here is some current news to help with your planning, even if you are jumping in late.
I'm happy to report that CAA is offering Pay-as-You-Wish registration for one day only, Friday, February 14, thanks to generous support from the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation. But, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, they also offer a variety of onsite registration options including:
- Single-session timeslot ticket— $20
- Book & Trade Fair only pass— $20
- One Day Pass— $100
- Full conference registration— prices vary depending on your membership tier .
Also, with your conference badge, you can get into many of Chicago's museums and cultural institutions for free or reduced admission. There is a list of participating institutions here:
https://www.collegeart.org/programs/conference/conference2020/resources/museums
I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to Bridget Madden of the University of Chicago for taking the lead on a VRA Business Meeting turned Forum and a VRA Session since I am unable to attend this year. She is your best contact on the ground in Chicago, but I'm happy to answer any questions that I can from afar.
Both events take place on Wednesday, February 12th, starting with a VRA Business Meeting scheduled midday (free and open to the public), which we have turned into a discussion forum opening with a presentation entitled "From Archive to Classroom: The Use of Omeka and Companion Tools in the Curation of Digital Stories and Exhibits" involving Matt Taylor, Director of the Media and Design Studio, and Rebecca Zorach, Mary Jane Crowe Professor of Art and Art History, as well as their students from Northwestern University. It will be followed by what will surely be an engaging discussion about online exhibitions and other current trends in the field of visual resources. This takes place on the 3rd floor of the Hilton Chicago in the Williford B room.
In the afternoon, a formal session entitled, "Hands-On to Eyes-On: From Material Collections to Digital Exhibitions" will take place at 4 pm on the 3rd floor in the Wilford C room. A distinguished panel of artists, art historians, librarians, museum and information professionals will discuss the hands-on use of materials and museum collections to allow students to apply their knowledge in real-life contexts (full slate below). The presenters will discuss: the use of a materials collection in teaching art history survey courses to studio art and design students; fashion and textile resources transitioning from physical to digital collections for enhanced access; and a two-term curatorial practice course sequenced to design and install a museum exhibition. In all cases, the collections used in teaching are prioritized and sustained, not treated as occasional visits or demonstrations. The role of professional staff supporting these collections and facilitating their use by faculty and students is integral. It will be shown how effective these collaborations can be, including how they can lead to more engaging, active learning experiences in the classroom.
Here is the terrific lineup:
1) "Materials in Context: Experiential Learning in Art History" at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with Allan T. Kohl, Librarian in charge of Visual Resources and Library Instruction, presenting a collection curator's perspective, partnered with Jessica M. Dandona, Associate Professor of Art History, providing a faculty perspective.
2) "Materiality Made Visible" will be presented by Melanie E. Emerson, Dean of the Library + Special Collections, from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
3) "Exhibition in Practice" at the Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, will be presented with Leslie Wilson, Curatorial Fellow for Diversity in the Arts, providing "A Perspective from the Classroom" and Berit Ness, Assistant Curator of Academic Initiatives, talking about "Execution in the Museum."
Thank you to all of the participants for bringing together this terrific content and sharing their expertise with this important CAA audience. Hope you can get to Chicago to experience these VRA events and more!
With best wishes,Maureen BurnsVRA CAA Affiliate Liaison
2020 VRA Foundation Professional Development Grant: Call for Applications
The Visual Resources Association Foundation (VRAF) is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the VRAF Professional Development Grant program. This program offers two $1000 grants yearly. This grant can be used to support conference participation, enroll in a workshop, for an online education opportunity, or for research activities. For consideration, please submit your application by Friday, February 14, 2020, 11:59PM Pacific Time. If you have any questions about the VRAF Professional Development Grant, please contact the VRAF Board of Directors at vrafoundation@gmail.com. The recipient of the 2020 VRAF Professional Development grant will be announced by Friday, February 28, 2020, and must be used before February 28, 2021.APPLY HEREPurpose: The purpose of the VRAF Professional Development grant is 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 (such as a conference, symposium, workshop, online education), or to enroll in relevant research activities (such as hands-on field work or a site visit for scholarly purposes). Priority will be given to applications that include participation at a conference (giving a paper, teaching a workshop, chairing a committee, etc.); research that shows promise to lead to publication or contributes to the visual resources and cultural heritage information management community; or to applications that can demonstrate that the receiving the opportunity will have a broader benefit to an institution or region. Please note that recipients of the award are required to submit a report outlining how the award contributed to his or her professional development within 30 days following the event.Eligibility
- Applicants should have a professional interest in visual resources and cultural heritage information management, and may include retirees, the currently unemployed, or students seeking educational and training opportunities in support of broad access to cultural information.
- Membership in the Visual Resources Association is not required.
- Statements of financial need will be strongly considered.
Acceptable Uses of Award Money
- Transportation costs to and from the event venue
- Registration fees or tuition
- Required course materials (e.g., workbooks, DVDs)
- Lodging
- Meals – including meals in transit to and from the educational event
- Research expenses
- Grant monies may not be used to cover indirect costs (For example, a percentage of the grant money/funding taken by the grantee's institution to cover perceived overhead.)
Application Criteria
- A goals statement outlining the opportunity, how it will benefit your work, and any potential contributions this opportunity may allow you to make beyond your own professional development.
- A comprehensive budget and breakdown of your proposed travel, lodging, meal, and other expenses. When costs are estimated, please explain (e.g., “roundtrip airfare on United as determined via Expedia search”; my lodging costs reflect an estimate for a shared room). If your institution requires you to use a specific airline, or has set a corporate airfare rate, please note this in the comments section. Be as clear and complete as possible about other funding support you will receive or are applying for, such as from your home institution, or other grants and awards.
- Your resume/curriculum vitae
ApplicationPlease submit an online application to be considered for a VRAF Professional Development Grant.Past recipients include Anne Young, Manager of Rights and Reproductions at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, to attend the 2013 American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education (ALI CLE) Legal Issues in Museum Administration course. Her attendance was crucial in the production of Rights & Reproductions: The Handbook for Cultural Institutions, an indispensable resource. About the grant, Anne wrote, “The Grant funded a portion of my course tuition and associated travel costs to attend the program. It is my belief that this Grant was also a contributing factor to my receiving a partial-scholarship, half of the course tuition, from ALI CLE that further supported my attendance… Without my attendance at ALI CLE’s LIMA and the VRAF’s Grant support, I would not have been able to make the vital connections to make the Handbook contributors and legal review panelists as robust as they are today.” The Handbook is now available and can be downloaded from the American Alliance of Museums website.The VRAF Professional Development Grant Program reflects the broad mission of the VRAF 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 (such as a conference, symposium, workshop, online education), or to enroll in relevant research activities (such as hands-on field work or a site visit for scholarly purposes). For more information about the VRAF, the VRAF Professional Development Grant, and other VRAF programs, please visit vrafoundation.org.https://vrafoundation.org/vrafoundation@gmail.comhttps://twitter.com/vrafoundat
VRA 2020 Baltimore: Special Room Rates Ending Soon
Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore550 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202(410) 234-0550 / 1-800-766-3782Block Name: Visual Resources Association 2020 Annual ConferenceGroup Code: 0329VSRSAS$149 per night, single/double occupancy, plus taxes and fees
VRA 2020 Baltimore: Take a Tour and Marvel at Baltimore's Treasures!
Take advantage of your time in Baltimore with tours of some of the exciting cultural sites in the area. The local planning committee has thoughtfully curated a slate of activities to introduce you to what the city has to offer, from books to bejeweled walls!
The Walters Art Museum: Chamber of Wonders. Thursday, March 26 • 4:00pm - 5:00pmThis entertaining tour of a delightful “collection of collections” that educates and amazes visitors of all ages will be led by Curator Joaneath Spicer. Three galleries in the museum are installed to suggest the collection of a 17th century nobleman, including an entry hall of arms and armor, a study for intricate small objects, and a larger chamber of arts and wonders.
Stick around after the tour to experience extended hours at WAM and visit the renovated 1 West Mount Vernon Place galleries and exhibitions, and other special exhibitions: Excursions through the Collection (through October 11, 2020) and From Mucha to Morris: Books of the Art Nouveau (through April 19, 2020). After you get your museum cup filled, stroll around Mount Vernon to enjoy one of the many great restaurants in the area. Be sure to save room for a night-cap at The Brewers’ Art. Stayed tuned for more info about dine arounds on Thursday evening!
Visual Resources Association Foundation (VRAF) Announces Can We Do That? Regional Workshop
The Visual Resources Association Foundation (VRAF) is pleased to announce that Can We Do That? Intellectual Property Rights and Visual Media will be held on March 13, 2020 at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Can We Do That? Intellectual Property Rights and Visual Media is one of the four workshops being offered in the fifth year of the VRAF Regional Workshop Program. The VRA Foundation is grateful to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation for their continued support of this exciting opportunity to partner with cultural heritage and educational institutions.How do I know whether something is protected by copyright? What is fair use and how can I apply it? What copyright exceptions are available for library or archival use? How can I clear a copyright? How do I navigate and negotiate licensing agreements? If you’ve asked yourself these questions, this workshop is for you! Aimed at providing real-world applications within the academic, archival, library, gallery and museum environments, we will use relevant case studies to explore issues such as educational and scholarly usage, securing academic publication rights (including for online use), creative reuse, fair use guidelines, VARA and moral rights, licensing from vendors and rights holders, and the public domain. Participants will also be introduced to tools and resources to help them and their constituents in making decisions regarding appropriate use and dissemination of visual media.Can We Do That? Intellectual Property Rights and Visual Media will be taught by Cara Hirsch, Deputy General Counsel at The Virtual Reality Company, a studio focused on the creation of content for virtual reality film and other experiences. At VRC, Cara oversees all intellectual property matters relating to the company’s business. She is the former Associate General Counsel at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, where she supported Guggenheim’s legal affairs in a wide variety of areas including intellectual property. Prior to the Guggenheim, Cara was Deputy General Counsel for Artstor, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to use digital technology to enhance scholarship, teaching, and learning in the arts, humanities and other fields. Among her duties at Artstor, Cara collaborated in refining Artstor’s intellectual property and other legal strategies for the organization. She also supervised the rights review and clearance process for media collections in the Artstor Digital Library, a digital image resource that makes available to nonprofit institutions over 1.7 million digital images in the arts, architecture, humanities, and sciences. Cara also worked as an Associate at the law firms of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and Andrews Kurth LLP, where she practiced in the field of intellectual property. She served as Co-Chair of the Intellectual Property Rights Committee of the Visual Resources Association from 2011-2014. Cara received her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and her B.A., with distinction, from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.Registration for Can We Do That? Intellectual Property Rights and Visual Media is now open. The fee for the workshop is $125. For more information about the workshop and to register, visit here. If you have any questions about registration, please feel free to contact Beth Haas, VRAF Director, bwodnick@princeton.edu. For questions about the venue, please contact Anne Mar, Assistant College Archivist/Metadata Specialist, amar@oxy.edu.https://vrafoundation.org/vrafoundation@gmail.comhttps://twitter.com/vrafoundat
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
VRA Foundation (VRAF) has a New Website
Dear VRA Foundation Friends,With the new year and new decade upon us, the VRA Foundation has a new website! Visit us at vrafoundation.org.We have updated the VRA Foundation logo, the aesthetic of the website and the domain. While the appearance of pages and posts has been refreshed, there are no major structural or programming changes at this time. As always, we are continually considering new forms of educational programming and support for professional development and research in the field. We hope you enjoy the updates to the website and if you need to contact us please do so at vrafoundation@gmail.com.Best wishes,On behalf of the VRA Foundation Board of Directorshttps://vrafoundation.org/vrafoundation@gmail.comhttps://twitter.com/vrafoundat
VRA 2020 Baltimore: Workshops to Promote Communication and Success
Hello all!
Our exciting slate of workshops for 2020 Baltimore continues, with three more options for fostering efficacy in your communications. These workshops only have a limited number of seats available, so register for the conference today!
What to improve your retention and communication of key ideas?Visual Communication for Knowledge Acquisition, Processing and Dissemination on Tuesday, March 24: 8:30am - 10:30amJohn Trendler (Scripps College) and Rebecca Moss (University of Minnesota) help you learn how to mind map, sketchnote, draw, and storyboard for exploiting the power of visual communication.
Want to communicate your need and vision to successfully get grant funding?Grant Writing I on Friday, March 27: 8:30am – 10:30amCarmen Cowick (Preserve This) walks you through the grant process and how you start to identify grants to match your need and write clear goals and objectives that will resonate with granting agencies.
Grant Writing II on Friday, March 27: 11am – 1pmCarmen Cowick (Preserve This) leads you through the grant proposal and how to communicate your project in an elevator speech, a narrative/story statement of need, and through email correspondences. Cathleen Tefft (National Endowment for the Humanities) will discuss the ways of preparing for an NEH grant and tips for navigating the federal application process.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sara SchumacherVice President for Conference ProgramVisual Resources Association
Architecture Image LibrarianArchitecture LibraryTexas Tech University Librariessara.schumacher@ttu.edu806.834.1245Pronouns: she, her, hers
SEI Registration is OPEN!
Registration for SEI 2020 is now open! We are very excited about this year's curriculum, and hope to see many of you at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL from June 23-26, 2020.SEI is a fantastic learning and networking opportunity for students and professionals interested in creating and maintaining sustainable digital collections. The workshop offers participants the chance to meet colleagues from various institutions who are facing similar challenges. Faculty and students share ideas and solutions to these challenges and make lasting professional connections. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from ARLIS/NA-VRAF, signed by the ARLIS/NA president and the VRA Foundation chair.SEI is committed to creating and supporting inclusive, diverse, and equitable communities of practice. We invite you to read our Code of Conduct.This intensive workshop has a limited number of seats and fills up fast, so be sure to register soon!If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
VRA 2020 Baltimore: Workshops to Advance Your Digital Collections
Hello all,
As we have an exciting slate of workshops for 2020 Baltimore, I wanted to share some details of three that can improve your skills and help you make an impact. These workshops only have a limited number of seats available, so register for the conference soon!
Want to know how to optimize your digital collections functionality through IIIF?IIIF in 2020: what you need to know to join the party on Tuesday, March 24: 8:30am - 10:30amJeff Mixter (OCLC) and Piotr Adamczyk (Artstor) provide a hands-on workshop of the tools and solutions to deploy an IIIF server with vendor or local support and use IIIF Image APIs, Manifests, and Presentation APIs to unlock the full potential of your image collections.
Want to learn how to address diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility in your collections?Introduction to Critical Cataloging for Visual Resources Professionals on Thursday, March 26: 8:15am -12:15pmKaren Li-Lun Hwang (Asian American Arts Centre) and Treshani Perera (University of Kentucky) provide the theory and tools for expanding digital collection descriptions for greater inclusion and crafting responsibly ethical policies at various stages of the digital project lifecycle.
Want to discover dynamic digitization practices to incorporate at your institution?Taking Your Digitization on the Road on Thursday, March 26: 3:45pm - 5:45pmChris Strasbaugh (The Ohio State University) and Doug Daniels (UCLA Library) give you the opportunity to get your hands around traveling copystands, drones, and 3D scanners, so that you can make the case for deploying these solutions at your institution.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sara SchumacherVice President for Conference ProgramVisual Resources Association
Architecture Image LibrarianArchitecture LibraryTexas Tech University Librariessara.schumacher@ttu.edu806.834.1245Pronouns: she, her, hers
VRA 2020 Baltimore: Welcome to the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore, the Home of VRA 2020
So what will you find at the conference hotel? The recently renovated guest rooms offer a combination of modern amenities and architectural elements and furnishing. The second floor boasts a rotating Art Gallery, curated by a local artist. And from inside the hotel you can view the seasonal, urban apiary on the third-floor garden plaza. At the center is the functioning golden beehive sculpture created by Bob Benson and Rick Ames, local Baltimore artists.
You will also find an indoor swimming pool, racquet ball courts, and tennis courts on the roof with the 24-hour fitness center. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet is available in the guest rooms as well as many of the amenities you have come to expect of the conference hotel.
There are two in-house restaurants. The first location is Explorers, an American Gastropub ideal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those of you arriving on Monday – apparently Monday is trivia night at Explorers. The second is Formula Espressos, the lobby café, ideal for breakfast and lunch items, and of course coffee (illy coffee to be exact).Out the front door of the hotel you will find the Inner Harbor with the Maryland Science Center with the Davis Planetarium and the Baltimore Visitor’s Center. Within a fifteen minute walk north or south you will find several restaurants, watering holes, Camden Yards, the American Visionary Art Museum and parks.
Remember that staying at the conference hotel is not only convenient for you, it also helps the VRA meet its contractual obligations. Our $149/night rate is lower than we have had the last few years. If you are in need of a roommate to split the cost of the conference hotel, consider checking out the roommate spreadsheet (link sent in your registration confirmation email). Be sure to reserve your room today and I look forward to seeing you in Baltimore in March!Jeannine KeeferPresident-Elect, VRA Executive BoardVisual Resources Librarian, University of RichmondPhotos Courtesy of the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore