DX Lab Fellowship #1

The DX Lab is thrilled to announce its first dedicated digital fellowship that has been specifically set up to support the creative and innovative use of the Library’s collection data.  The fellowship promotes innovation, partnerships, experimentation and the creative use of the Library’s data via new interfaces and experiences.  This is a unique opportunity for researchers in the digital humanities particularly within the Gallery, Library, Museum and Archive sector (GLAM). The fellowship is being offered at $30,000 to enable research and digital innovation.

“This Fellowship will bring together data from the State Library’s collection, passionate researchers and the latest technologies to create something new and revolutionary. As a world leading Library the DX Lab Fellowship is an important initiative furthering experimentation within the digital humanities community and finding new ways to deliver access to the State Library’s heritage and contemporary collections.”  Dr Alex Byrne, State Librarian and Chief Executive.

We are looking for a developer/creative to come and spend time in the DX Lab to build an innovative digital experience. If you are interested in applying for this fellowship you will need to submit your application here by the 12th November.

The DX Lab Fellowship is supported through a gift to the State Library of NSW Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation which supports key Library fellowships, and innovative exhibitions and landmark acquisitions.

The applications will be  judged by:
Seb Chan Chief Experience Officer, ACMI
Tom Uglow, Creative Director, Google Creative Lab
Richard Neville, Mitchell Librarian and Director of Education and Scholarship SLNSW
Paula Bray, DX Lab Leader, SLNSW
Kate Curr, Manager Digital Strategy and Innovation. SLNSW

The successful applicant will be working in the DX Lab and will have the assistance of the Lab team that includes, two developers and the Lab Leader and a range of staff across the Library that can assist with research and curatorial matters.

FAQs

Q: Will I have to build my idea into an online experience?
A: Yes, we want an interface to go live, but also think about how it might be experienced on-site somewhere.

Q: Will I be provided with office facilities and a computer?
A: Yes, you will have a desk and computer supplied but we are assuming you would probably want to bring your own equipment.

Q: Will the Lab developers help me with my project?
A: Yes, they are here to assist but you are expected to build and deliver your project.

Q: Can I add some other data sets into my project as well as the State Library’s data?
A: Yes, if you feel it is providing additional meaning to your outcome and it is openly sourced.

Q: Do I have to be associated with a University?
A: No, you don’t necessarily have to be associated with a University.

Q: When can I take up the fellowship?
A: We need you to undertake the fellowship between the months of February and June 2016 with a minimum expected time in the lab of 8 weeks, full time equivalent.

Q: Are there any age restrictions?
A: Yes, you need to be over 18 to apply for our fellowship. We hope to do something for under 18s in the future.

Q: Can I apply if I live overseas?
A: Yes, but you are responsible for all necessary travel arrangements.

Q: What data is available now and what might be ready when I get to the Library?
A: You can see the available datasets and API information on the Library website. We will also have a new system in place in 2016 with new APIs. Below is a gallery of recent and upcoming digitisation projects for inspiration.

Application requirements

Applicants will need to fill in the online submission form.
Applications close on the 12th November 2015 at 11.00pm AEST.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email shortly after the closing date and will need to be available for an interview in the first week of December at the Library or via online.

Successful applicants will need to be able to build their project and it will go live on the DX Lab website. We will be responsible for hosting the project and require that the code be available in the State Library account on Github. The State Library of NSW will license the final product under a Creative Commons License.

Enquiry details:
e: dxlab@sl.nsw.gov.au

Photo at top by Bruce York.