event: Evidence of Value: The AHDS, the ICT Methods Network, and the use of Standards and Methods

The conference will review and celebrate the achievements of the AHDS and the Methods Network, to reflect on the lessons to be drawn about the uses and value of ICT in Arts and Humanities Research, and to highlight plans for the future.

From April 2008 both the Arts and Humanities Data Service (AHDS) and the AHRC ICT Methods Network will no longer be funded, and the UK arts and humanities community will need to seek alternative ways of providing a research infrastructure to support the use and application of ICT methods and the management of and access to digital research content. Identifying the value and impact of both the AHDS and the Methods Network will be vital to this process.

Over its eleven-year history the AHDS has been instrumental in developing standards and best practice for the creation, curation, preservation, and dissemination of digital research resources. In addition to its role as a repository, it has acted as a catalyst for promoting understanding of the sustainability and long-term preservation requirements of valuable digital assets.

The Methods Network has provided a national forum for the exchange and dissemination of expertise in the use of ICT in research. It has acted as a catalyst for scholars to share methodological insights, practices and expertise across disciplines, concentrating in particular on the use of advanced ICT and methodologies of use, with an emphasis on cross-disciplinarity.

The conference will comprise a series of presentations illustrating the achievements of the AHDS and the Methods Network, and reflecting upon the impact their work has made on the practice and processes of research, and digital resource creation, use and preservation. The presentations will outline future plans to carry forward the legacy of the AHDS and Methods Network. Ample time will be provided to network and, over the lunch break, to visit booths showcasing AHDS, Methods Network and ICT Programme projects and future plans. The day will end with a wine reception.

If you wish to attend, please contact Katrin.Tiedau@kcl.ac.uk.

The conference will take place at King’s College London, Strand Campus, Lecture Theatre 11F, London WC2R 2LS

For directions to the venue see:
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/about/campuses/strand-det.html

PROGRAMME

10.45 Welcome and Introduction: Professor David Robey

11.00 The Methods Network
• Introduction and Overview of the Methods Network achievements Professor Harold Short, King’s College London
• The value and Impact of the Methods Network: presentations from Professor Mark Greengrass, Gordana Novakovic, Dr Gregory Sporton, Professor Barry Ife
• Future plans: Lorna Hughes

13.00 Professor Rick Trainor, Principal, King's College London

13.10 Extended lunch period with details of projects and future plans

14.30 The Arts and Humanities Data Service
• Introduction and overview of AHDS achievements Sheila Anderson, Director AHDS, King's College London
• The value and impact of the AHDS: presentations from Professor Andrew Prescott, Professor Barry Smith, Dr Peter Doorn, Dr Paul Ell
• Future Plans: Dr Matthew Woollard

16.30 Final words: Malcolm Read, JISC

AHDS host organisations: signing a concordat for future collaboration

17.00 Wine Reception