Centers of Intention
The Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities (MITH) at the University of Maryland has become recognized as a leading digital humanities center, and supports work "from Shakespeare to Second Life." As interest in digital humanities grows and its practice becomes increasingly institutionalized, the role of centers reoccurs in conversations; particularly at institutions that do not have one.
This talk will provide a broad overview of active digital humanities projects at MITH, address the intentional growth and direction of the center, and develop distinctions made by Steve Ramsay about research and service at digital humanities centers. In the absence of centers, how do humanities faculty, students, and staff connect and coordinate funding and collaborations? What technical support is provided and necessary? The talk will conclude with a look at alternative models to centers, and other institutional efforts.
Dave Lester is creative lead at the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities (MITH) and a master's student at the I School. Prior to returning to school, Dave was Assistant director at MITH and also worked at the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University, where he co-founded THATCamp, The Humanities And Technology Camp unconference.
