Mind mapping has long been used to aid in many types of information organization, from the writing process to project management. It allows for graphical representation of the relationships and patterns that exist in large, complex sets of data. Archivists at the University of Dayton identified the mind map structure as a tool for helping to gain physical and intellectual control over a topically complex, multi-format collection. The features of a mind map could assist in dissecting relationships between materials and reveal new insights, connections, hierarchies and sibling relationships. The flexible structure was conducive to visualizing deviating sets of information and accommodating fluctuating arrangement as materials were discovered during processing. This session will explore how archivists used the mind mapping software, Personal Brain, to facilitate collaborative processing of the Auguste Martin collection and demonstrate the application of mind mapping concepts in archival arrangement.
Session presented by Amy Rohmiller and Jillian Slater at the 2012 Society of Ohio Archivists Annual Conference.
Mind Mapping for Archival Processing: Using Personal Brain Software to Facilitate Arrangement of the Auguste Martin Collection
1. Mind Mapping for Archival Processing:
Using Personal Brain Software to
Facilitate Arrangement of the
Auguste Martin Collection
Society of Ohio Archivists Annual Conference, 2012.
Amy Rohmiller and Jillian Slater, University of Dayton
6. Why choose Mind Mapping for this
project?
?
• Collection lent itself to
experimentation
• Very visual and flexible
• Reduces information
overload
• Basic structure already
parallels archival
arrangement
8. Why choose Personal Brain?
• Limited resources - technical
expertise and budget
• Allowed for easy
collaboration
• Easy to use features
• Got generally good reviews
from Google search
9.
10.
11. Experience of applying Personal Brain
to arrangement
• Tool for organization and • Archivists' Toolkit
visualization • Planning
• Optimal arrangement?
12. Personal Brain: Strengths & weaknesses
Strengths: Weaknesses:
• Good for visual • Labels don't change when a
learning/working style thought changes
• Easily adapts to changes in • Certain functions go away
arrangement after the free trial period -
• Reduces information ability to attach files and
overload by allowing you to URLs to thoughts
narrow your focus • Web brain functionality
• Graphic nature can allow problems
earlier recognition of patterns
• It's fun to use and fun to say
"The Brain" :)
13. Other Applications of Mind Mapping
for Archivists
Aids in revealing patterns and
relationships:
•Classification scheme
•Project management
•Collections assessment
•Recommend for smaller
institutions trying to improve
their archival holdings
14. Archivists must “develop proactive,
innovative, and collaborative approaches
to fulfill their institutional mission. Amidst
evolving responsibilities…processing is at
the heart of archival work.”
Chris Prom
16. Thank You - Questions?
Jillian Slater, Project Archivist, University of Dayton
jslater1@udayton.edu
Amy Rohmiller, Program Assistant, Ohio Historical Society
arohmiller@ohiohistory.org
