Capturing Classroom Metadata with the DRC

The GIS-Based Photographic Archive at the College of Wooster has recently reconfigured its input process to allow students to add objects directly into the collection. Students in Professor Greg Wiles geology class have been capturing photographs of environmental change near Wooster, Ohio, and recording metadata about the location. While the project has been active for a few months, previous data was entered by a trained student worker. Now all students in the class are able to upload their images and metadata directly into the DRC.

The GIS-Based Photographic Archive is not the only NGL project to capture objects and metadata from the classroom, but it is the first to have students enter objects directly into the DRC. The student input process uses a simplified input form for adding images and metadata, and has students agree to a license that lets the college display and archive the images. Objects are reviewed by library staff before being made publicly available.

Having students add items directly to a collection is a great way to capture classroom work and ensure the growth of a collection beyond the NGL grant. If you are interested in setting up direct student input for your collection please let me know.