Written By Abbie Schenk When we think of data visualizations, we often think of charts, maps and other forms of expressing data in digital ways. But humans have visualized data for thousands of years, long before computer screens were invented. Some of the earliest data visualizations go back to 5500 BC when Mesopotamians used clay tokens to visualize data. Today, representing data in a physical manner is called data physicalization. The Digital…

Staff profiles tell the story of an organization. Here at the University of Alberta Library, this is ours… In early March I had the opportunity to interview Erin O’Neil about her role as the University of Alberta Library’s first Wikipedian in Residence from February until August of 2020. This interview was recorded prior to University of Alberta Library closing our physical locations temporarily due to COVID-19. Because of the temporary closures, Erin…

With the majority of students and staff being advised to work and study from home, this is how our archivist is supporting online learning… Being a social introvert, Anna has fully embraced working from home. As long as she has her husband, son and two dogs nearby, she is content, happy and incredibly productive! Ok sure, Anna can’t actually process records, create inventories or physically acquire new records, but there are a…

Are you the type of person  who constantly has music on in the background? Do you play an instrument or have an interest in music theory or history? Do you like diving through the unknown corners of the digital space in search of a hidden musical jewel? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, what you find below will be the ticket to your next great musical journey!  The…