Digital Humanities at the Sourasky Central Library

The field of Digital Humanities has evolved, and in some cases, even redefining, traditional research of various subjects, resources, and methodologies using scientific techniques and tools. This research field combines traditional humanities and social sciences queries and research methods with digital tools

 

Opening Hours Our Mission
At the Sourasky Central Library we offer support and resources for Tel Aviv University researchers and students who wish to use computer-based technologies to answer research questions related to the humanities and arts.

 

Opening Hours Guiding Rules

  • Providing guidance, tutorials, and seminars to develop DH skills for conducting research and teaching.

  • Preferring Open Source software tools, making research products easily accessible, and preserving the data after the research has been completed (or financial resources have run out).

  • Providing support and advice in writing research proposals that include the use of digital tools, from the stage of writing the proposal to the implementation stage.

  • Focusing on four major tools: Converting images to text (OCR), Spatial analysis (GIS), Distant Reading (DR), Content Management Systems (CMS).

 

Opening Hours Our Services for the Tel-Aviv University Community

  • OCR Services are offered via a designated online form (The service is only provided to the Tel-Aviv University students and staff members) and will be fulfilled within our work schedule.

  • Practical workshops are given on useful tools covering various aspects of the DH field. We publish (occasionally) workshops, that are open to the Tel-Aviv University Community. In addition, a customized workshop can be request for a specific class.

  • Personal guidance for the Tel-Aviv University Community – "One on one" 1-hour session. When needed, a second 1-hour guidance session can be requested (both sessions are free of charge). If an additional (3rd, 4th, etc.) session is needed – each additional one would cost Academic staff members 300 NIS.

Mobile phone taking photo of library shelves.

 

Opening Hours What is a Content Management System (CMS)? 

What is the connection between Tel Aviv University and the popular entertainment franchise Angry Birds™ websites? Both are built on Drupal and WordPress, widely used Content Management Systems that aim to simplify website creation, editing, and publishing without the need for programming or coding. Over time, Content Management Systems have advanced to support most digital media and provide multiple ways of displaying content to users.

 


Opening Hours Content Management Systems and DH

In recent years, several Content Management Systems for academic use have been created, including Scalar and Omeka. These systems were designed to allow researchers, curators, and librarians to publish their research, exhibitions, and collections online, with a focus on metadata, without having to deal with coding. The systems give researchers complete control over how their research outputs are presented, combining research text and digital media, tagging textual sources, classifying and displaying items based on metadata.

 

 

Opening Hours Content Management systems

Omeka S: The Sourasky Central Library offers access to the Omeka S Content Management System. Developed at the Roy Rozenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University, this free open-source system allows for the publishing and presentation of academic information while adhering to strict international metadata standards like Dublin Core. With Omeka S, students and researchers can create online collections and simple websites, and even digitize a physical exhibition. The library's Omeka installation supports website and exhibition creation in both English and Hebrew and includes a variety of plugins.


For more information: Main Entrance Hall | cenlib@tauex.tau.ac.il | 03-6404823