INFORMIT 2024 FIRST PEOPLES' LENS CULTURAL FUND: UOW Indigenous Curated Library Database
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is proud to announce the launch of the Indigenous curated library database a key deliverable for the INFORMIT 2024 First Peoples' Lens Cultural Fund Project.
The project aligns with the UOW Healing and Recognition Tracks Strategy, the leadership of the UOW Indigenous Strategy Unit, and the UOW Library’s purpose. The Project achieves this by:
- Showcasing community-led and co-created research.
- Extending critical evaluation of resources by educators and students for enhanced inter-cultural knowledges.
- Leveraging the Library’s digital architecture to extend a more inclusive and expansive approach to discovery and access to curated resources.
The Project is developing a strengths-based, centralised Indigenous curated database, supporting the selection and management of Indigenous-led resources through a set process and protocols by:
- Education and Promotion: Development and promotion of the Indigenous curated library database and source selection processes.
- Internal Protocols and Processes: Establishment of nomination, vetting, and database maintenance procedures.
- Digital Content Management and Curation Solution: Creation of an openly accessible digital platform via the University library and Indigenous research sites/pages.
- Enhanced Search Functionality: Prioritisation of recommended sources in searches from the University catalogue.
Creating a digital curation of culturally safe Indigenous sources, evaluated against criteria such as Indigenous authorship, research design, and strengths focus, will increase knowledge of and positive engagement with Indigenous knowledges. It will also assist in developing critical thinking around selecting culturally appropriate sources by academics, professional staff, and students.
Features of the Prototype Database:
- Search functions by tags.
- Topic headings introduced in the Pilot.
- On selection of a resource, additional collection tags are shown and accessible. Teachers can confidently select items for uploading into the subject instance in the learning management system (e.g., Moodle) with the curated list tick of approval.
Over time, the database will include multi-format resources and cultural artefacts to reflect the breadth and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges. This project is a true collaboration with the aspiration to increase knowledge of and positive engagement with Indigenous knowledges through increased accessibility and promotion of culturally appropriate Indigenous sources.
We applaud INFORMIT for their commitment to the 2024 First Peoples' Lens Cultural Fund, designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander projects in research and innovation, with a particular emphasis on the digital sharing of knowledge. Through their funding, we have been able to accelerate the development of this vital and impactful initiative.
The Project Team members are:
Dr Summer May Finlay
Ms Nadia Neal
Ms Tammy Small
Ms Catherine Moyle
Ms Margie Jantti
Mr James Conroy