What is the Digital Lab?
The Digital Lab is both a concept and a place. In concept, the Lab works to incubate, sustain, and preserve digitized cultural heritage and other unique digital projects. We accomplish this through project and lifecycle management, infrastructure development, and applying for and administering external funding. Our model is deeply collaborative and we welcome partnerships across the Vanderbilt community. So, if you have an idea, no matter how nebulous, we want to work with you.
As a space, the Lab aims to provide technology-rich immersive learning and discovery opportunities for both student and faculty. Our aim is a matrix of spaces that are diffuse across the libraries and beyond. Currently, we offer a teaching space on the fourth floor of Central, a research and learning environment through the Slave Societies Digital Archive on the eighth floor of Central, and collaborate deeply with a GIS and quantitative computing Lab on the third floor of Peabody Library, as well as the TV News Archive.
How can we help seed and advance digital projects?
The Digital Lab offers a series of seed grant opportunities, additional information about which may be found here. These grants are available to assist in developing proofs of concept toward internal or external funding applications, or to design technology-focused immersive learning opportunities for students.
Will you build a website for my project?
While we cannot build a website for you, we can assist in managing the project. The Lab coordinates with a pool of both internal technologists and external contractors. We can assist you in developing a scope and budget for your project, connect you with the appropriate skillsets, and manage deliverables and timelines.
What opportunities are available for students?
Training events offered by The Lab are open to all and students are encouraged to attend. Additionally, The Lab works closely with the Buchanan Library Fellows program, and frequently hosts fellowships focused on an aspect of digital technology. If you have a fuzzy project idea, a Buchanan Fellowship may be a great way to work with Lab staff and a team of students to help develop a proof of concept. Please reach out to us with your project ideas! Digital.lab@vanderbilt.edu.
Where is the Lab located?
The Lab is located on the 4th floor of Central Library, behind the main elevators. We have staff available for consultation, for which you can set an appointment. We hold most trainings in this space, and are happy to coordinate with you to bring external or internal speakers to campus on topics in the digital scholarship space, or work with your class. The Slave Societies Digital Archive is located on the 8th floor of Central. The GIS Lab is located on the 3rd floor of Peabody Library and is available during regular library hours. The TV News Archive is located on the 7th floor of the Baker Building.
How do I start a collaboration with the Lab?
You can reach out to us individually, or to all of us at digital.lab@vanderbilt.edu. We are more than happy to help you think through a potential project, training opportunity, funding opportunity, and more!