Upcoming Omeka Update: A post from student, Ben Ostermeier
For about 4 years now, the Wide, Wide World Digital Edition has used the Omeka web publishing platform. We have not, however, kept up with the updates to the Omeka software, as more recent versions configure the themes and database differently. The newer version has grown increasingly tempting, as it both allows for more flexibility in creating exhibits and has a built in responsive design, meaning the website will be viewable on smaller-resolution phones and tablets.
Thankfully, my growing expertise in web development has given me the confidence to attempt the update. Already, I’ve made a few minor tweaks to the websites theme this past spring, but now we’re heading for larger update to the latest version of Omeka. Thus far, I have made a newer theme compatible with the latest version of Omeka that is also responsive.
Under the guidance of Dr. DeSpain and the fellow members of the project, I’ve based the theme on a prototype design for the website along with the current version. Check out the comparison below:
I’m not yet done with the theme. It is likely I will replace the blue-green book cover with a red one to tie it to the color scheme. I will also possibly add a subtle texture to the background. Still, look forward to that update sometime soon.
IRIS is atwitter
You can now follow IRIS on twitter @SIUeIris. We also have an SIUE IRIS Facebook Page
IRIS Is Registered With Centernet!

Endangered Languages for the Masses

Archiving … You
If you think it’s only old books and manuscripts that can be digitally preserved, and be topics of debate within the dimension of archiving and digital immortality, then you should read this article that appeared recently in the Sunday New York Times. This interesting article covers questions such as: What happens to your digital identity when you die? Do you remain online forever? If so, who has control over your digital after-life? What are the ‘best practices’ in social media, or do these arenas even qualify for discussions of this nature?
New York Times Article about Digital Scholarship
