Course Offerings

In this class we'll use history and readings to not only understand the current state of the information field, but how we got here. Seeing that, students will understand that they have the power to shape and improve the information field. Students will also work in in-class teams to cement ideas and connect to other students in the class. We work to answer the question of why UX designers, archivists, AI ethicists, and librarians are all in the same graduate program. Ultimately the goal is to connect, understand, and inspire.

Disaster events, like floods and fires, can cause severe damage and loss in cultural heritage collections. How will you respond when disaster strikes? This course introduces students to the fundamental preservation concepts, planning strategies, and applied response techniques that make a difference. The class will evaluate the physical impact of fire, water, soot, mold, and insects on varied media, including books, flat paper, audiovisual materials, and other items. Disaster planning exercises model proactive methods to minimize damage. Hands-on response drills enable students to practice salvage techniques, and to triage and prioritize impacted materials.