There are a lot of questions that I have been thinking about this last semester as I have been “experimenting” with different digital tools and trying to understand how they can assist in the process of creating a scholarly edition based on a historical manuscript. I think the keynote address did a good job of covering these larger questions. To bring a couple of these questions into a specific and hopefully manageable example for discussion:

What are the pros and cons; pitfalls and tips and tricks; time wasters and time savers when using a specific tool, (say Omeka) to organize, develop research questions, analyze, narrate, display and curate a historical manuscript and associated archival documents including other witness accounts and research material? What key elements should be highlighted in a digital historical archive to help it provide the greatest benefit to the larger community?

Let me also add that these pearls of wisdom would come more from the humanists point of view not so much the technical; that is, directed more at our real work not so much about how to use the tool, (there are a lot of guides out there for that.)

Further, I would suggest that a specific goal be identified to come out of the discussion. For example we could create a collaborative, short but helpful FAQ/job aid/guide that summarizes the answers to these and any other questions brought fourth and this could be shared via the Nexus lab with others. Of course any other suggestions for an end product from the discussion would be welcome too. Thank you!