The Ashes of Waco

CONTENTdm

We're going to use CONTENTdm to both manage our digitized content and to build the online exhibit. There are many choices out there, some of which are cheaper or even free, but this one is operated by OCLC, which means it is addresses the issues archivists and librarians care about--e.g., controlled vocabulary and metadata standards, formatting for access and archival quality, WorldCat registration, EAD capabilities, etc. Plus it has comprehensive search features and "favorites" bookmarking. 

In my estimation, it has become the most popular program for online exhibits for archives, able to handle not only photos but documents and audio and video files. It should also be a good way for us (the Wittliff Collections, University Archives and library in general alike) to keep our digital objects under one management system. I am hoping over the next year for other digitization projects to follow in this one's footsteps, so more people here get first-hand experience with the program.

The only hitch so far is CONTENTdm is Windows-based, and to use Parallels one needs an Intel-processor Mac, which we don't have yet except for one laptop. So we're waiting patiently for the Mac Pro we ordered for the grant to get here. Until then we're kinda on hold as far as CONTENTdm is concerned. That's okay, because we need time to get all the contents into a descriptive database, which is what we're doing now, mainly for the purpose of prioritizing the digitization work.

Links

I've started a list of links for more information on the incident, the Branch Davidians, the aftermath, etc. It's on the left-hand side and will have more links added as I get time. With a topic such as this, still so recent and controversial, it is hard to find sources--in print or on the Web--that are not charged with emotion and/or accusations. This is a long way of disclosing that we (anyone and everyone remotely associated with this project) do not endorse any of the persons, groups or opinions associated with these websites. I provide links to them because they supply at the very least a perspective, if not also important information, by means of access to documents related to the subject.

In an effort to be well-rounded, I'm going to try to be as inclusive as possible; i.e., rather than excluding a site because of some inflammatory material it may have, I will try to include other sites that might provide differing viewpoints and/or documents. Another warning: some sites may be graphic or disturbing in nature. But you knew that going in, given the topic. I'm planning on using the links I compile here in the online exhibit too, by the way. I'm also working on getting permissions for each link, as well, but I'm not always successful getting through to a person. If you happen to administer one of these sites and prefer not to have it listed here, let me know and I'll be happy to take it down.

Lastly, I do encourage comments. One goal in setting up this blog is to provide a forum for people to discuss not only the content and presentation of the project but the subject in general. I (and/or Kurt, as he starts adding to the blog) will do our best to respond to all questions and comments in a timely manner. If you know of a site you think should be included, please let me know, either in the comments section or via e-mail: [email protected]. 

The finding aid

The finding aid for the Dick J. Reavis Papers will give you an idea of what Ashes of Waco (AOW)-related materials are here. Right now we are entering every item into a database, to determine exact content and assign priority numbers for digitization. Basically, the priority breaks down to this: 1=primary document relating directly to the events of Feb. 28 - Apr. 19, 1993; 2=primary document relating to history of participants or aftermath of event; 3=secondary documents.

The finding aid also contains biographical information on Mr. Reavis and how the Southwestern Writers Collection acquired his papers.

Announcing the grant project

Here is a link to the TSLAC press release announcing their FY 09 TexTreasures grants. We're listed under #3. This will give you an idea of how our project fits into the others that were awarded TexTreasures grant money. Out of 28 applicants from around the state, five were funded. We were one of four awarded full funding.

KWTX.com is one of the outlets that ran part of our press release announcing the grant project. This site includes links in the article to further information and reader comments at the bottom.

Here is our full press releaseDownload press_release_waco_exhibit_grant.doc.