1. Virtual Writing University Archive partnership with the UI Libraries
“It Takes Two: Co-Writing Across Disciplines” · ACRL American Library Association Annual Conference, Washington, DC
June 27, 2010
Jim Elmborg
School of Library & Information Science Virtual Writing University · The University of Iowa
Nicole Saylor
Digital Library Services · The University of Iowa Libraries

2. Overview & Origins Virtual Writing University
Originated in 2003 with student projects in SLIS classes digitizing recordings
Supported by major grant from UI Arts and Humanities Initiative, 2004
Proof of concept project in SLIS
2005, Writing University Task Force convened, one outcome is “Virtual Writing University”

3. What is VWU?
A collaborative, interdisciplinary initiative sponsored by the Graduate College & the Office of the Provost
Includes the Experimental Wing (Art and Intermedia), the Journals Project (Project on Rhetoric of Inquiry, and the VWU Archive (SLIS)
Web editor hired to coordinate

4. Virtual Writing University
A portal to the programs, news, and events associated with writing at Iowa, and a platform for special projects

5. Virtual Writing University Archive
The Archive features audio recordings of emerging and renowned writers from around the world, and documents the history of writing at The University of Iowa and in its surrounding community.

6. VWU Archive, v2

7. VWU Archive, v2

8. Evolution of the partnership
2006—two Library staff devoted to digital work, formal unit established late that year (same year VWU is founded)
2007—head hired, first cohort of IMLS digital fellows starts in DLS
2008—DLS, VWU, ITS attend Project Bamboo workshops; VWU Archive migration to Libraries platform begins

9. VWU Archive, v3

10. Digital Library Services

11. Digital Library Services
DLS facilitates the creation, use, and preservation of digital content by offering a wide array of resources and services to faculty, academic departments, centers and institutes, and librarians in support of teaching, learning, research, scholarship, and creative activities.

12. Digital Library Services
DLS works in close cooperation with other campus units including Information Technology Services to coordinate efforts, reduce duplicate infrastructure, and maximize efficient and effective use of campus technology resources.

13. “Hanging out our shingle”
July 2009—DLS moves to Information Arcade
July 2009— eResearch Task Force convenes
Aug. 1, 2009—Last day for Arcade drop-in
Aug. &Sept —3 new DH projects begin
Jan. 2010—Two AHI grant prep workshops
Jan. 2010— CSI award announcement

14. Lessons learned Lifecycle of a project Realpolitik of the university
What’s my motive?
Patience is a virtue
Partnership, not poaching
Relationships matter

15. Questions?
Jim Elmborg Nicole Saylor