Columbus Neighborhoods

One of the most interesting presentations I attended this year at the Internet Librarian conference focused on the community web page project built for Columbus, Ohio called Columbus Neighborhoods.

This is an excellent example of a library involving its citizenry in participating to build an online archive of historical and cultural information representing all members. The library initially applied for an IMSL (Institute of Museum and Library Services) grant and did not receive it. Fortunately the library was able to partner with several regional businesses and organizations, including the public media network, WOSU to build the project.

The online web project was initially outsourced to Interactive Knowledge (the group that did the Ken Burns' product for television) for approximately $18,000. The project was accomplished in about three months. Then, once online, the site is maintained by the community with minimal library maintenance. The community monitors itself. Also, volunteers load content and moderate the website.

Content, which originally started as a postcard database, is accessible by location, neighborhood, photo or video galleries, date posted, and embedded code. After completing the initial phase, the project members stipulated goals for Phase II in 2011, as "Mobile Device Compatibility," mobile uploads, and GEO Tags. And Phase III is scheduled in 2012 for what they call "bridging between virtual and physical space" by promoting a "Traveling multi-touch display" that will rotate to various community locations within Columbus, such as the zoo and museums.

The library reference staff answers question from the community regarding the Columbus Neighborhoods project and the neighborhood regions. The reference librarians enjoy answering neighborhood-specific questions.

The project has proved to be very popular with the Columbus community. In regards to copyright matters, the "content contributor" determines the "owner." If complaints are registered as to content or provenance of content, these are reviewed by volunteers and removed from the public pages as needed. Even in such cases, the content originally uploaded is still viewable to the contributor, although blocked from the "public" view.

An interesting fact is that by design the website, hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library web servers, is only quietly promoted on their website (bottom of the library web page.) Furthermore, on the Columbus Neighborhoods website there is no link back to the library -- by choice. One of the goals of the project is to emphasize community ownership.

Visit Columbus Neighborhoods to appreciate the fine accomplishment of the Columbus Metropolitan Library staff working in partnership with local organizations and community members.♠