Join us for a moderated discussion with two Jewish museum leaders who have used digital tools and technology to support collections stewardship, greater collections access, and rich public and educational resources that highlight Jewish culture. 

Since its founding, the Yiddish Book Center has evolved from an organization focused on recovering and preserving books to an institution that creates access to Yiddish resources and culture through digital initiatives, curation, educational and public programs, publications, and translation. The Yiddish Book Center is at the forefront of book digitization and recently has launched a new website, the Universal Yiddish Library, that enables users to search the catalogs of four partner institutions through a single portal and provides full access to thousands of Yiddish books. In the years to come, additional partner collections will be ingested and made accessible. This model holds promise for other types of collections and institutions, enabling the public to access collections of multiple institutions through a single site and enabling smaller institutions to make their collections accessible. 

The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life at the University of California, Berkeley, connects people of all backgrounds with the history, vibrancy, and diversity of Jewish life around the world through its collections-based research, exhibitions, and programs. The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life is establishing a foundation of digital infrastructure and leveraging campus resources to enable the development of public-serving digital projects, including the online publication of the Roman Vishniac Archive. With security, accessibility, and discoverability as guiding priorities, the Magnes will be able to launch new mission-driven and revenue-generating initiatives.

Learning outcomes

• Explore opportunities to design and integrate digital tools and technology into collections stewardship initiatives
• Draw on examples from Jewish museums applicable to many culturally specific museums
• Connect digital formats and platforms to museum mission, community priorities, and focused audiences

Acknowledgements

This webinar is sponsored by the David Berg Foundation, supporting the conservation of Jewish artifacts, manuscripts, texts and art; exhibitions about Jewish culture and heritage; the advancement of Jewish museums and libraries; and initiatives that combat the rise of antisemitism. This webinar is presented in collaboration with the Council of American Jewish Museums (CAJM).

Moderator

Marsha Semmel
Principal, Marsha Semmel Consulting
3111 14th Street South
Arlington, VA 22204
(o) (703) 527-2687
(m) (571) 205-3920
marsha.semmel@gmail.com

Presenters

Susan Bronson
President
Yiddish Book Center

Hannah E. Weisman
Executive Director
Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life

This webinar will be recorded and closed captioning will be available for participants.  AAM members will be able to access the recording on AAM’s website a few days following the live event.

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The statements and opinions expressed by panelists, hosts, attendees, or other participants of this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of, nor are endorsed by, the American Alliance of Museums.