SCELC’s eResource Hackfests bring together librarians to learn how to tackle common issues affecting electronic resources in academic institutions. We adopt the “hackathon” popularized by the tech industry, and add our own librarianly spin. Within a relatively short period, we maximize hands-on time brainstorming and building out workflows and solutions to our shared issues. But we also share knowledge, combine efforts to prototype solutions, and forge relationships to foster collaboration between attendees out in the real world.
We don’t have to work in the same ILS or have the same technical background or level of expertise in order to learn from each other how to be more effective in our home institutions. And-- most importantly-- we definitely do not have to be programmers in order to get the most out of the Hackfest.
What we do at SCELC eResource Hackfest is to think of the event as a creative retreat. We minimize distractions and maximize team time to flex our brains and expand our skillsets. Participants might end up working on something completely different from what they expected. Some projects might remain thought experiments and some will firm up into a finished product.
Notable projects from past Hackfests include:
- Reusable code for turning catalog/data searched into RSS feeds (2016)
- Research on A-Z Database lists and how to better display resources (2016)
- Spreadsheets and scripts for automatically harvesting & calculating library usage statistics (2016)
- Reusable code for creating an eBook cover carousel (2016)
- Everything ERM wiki where librarians can share electronic resource tips, tricks, workflows, and more (2016)
Come join the group if you're interested in:
- Experimenting with tools for the rapidly-changing world of eResources
- Building skills by exchanging tips and tricks with other practitioners
- Getting feedback on ideas and projects
- Contributing to the SCELC eResource community
- Having fun!