Originally I envisioned creating the digital exhibit using the Omeka content management system (CMS). After developing a draft exhibition in the interface, however, I determined that using Omeka created unnecessary reproduction of the collections content I had previously imported to CONTENTdm. In order to save from the duplication of work, and to enhance the functionality of the exhibit, I chose to work in Cascade CMS.
Working in Cascade provided me with the tools needed to make a more attractive exhibit that was in-line with the University of Victoria’s branding conventions (the majority of UVic's websites are built using branded Cascade templates). The CMS’s template is configured for automated updates, ensuring the site will maintain the most up-to-date aesthetic possible with a minimal amount of human intervention required as UVic's branded look develops in the future. In addition, the Cascade interface allows for direct linking to collection items already existing online, helping me to avoid the creation of redundant records across multiple platforms. As the collection created in CONTENTdm already provides users access to the high-resolution digital surrogates and associated metadata from the Katharine Maltwood fonds, it would be redundant and possibly confusing to users to replicate this information within an additional CMS. Visit the completed exhibit, Katharine Maltwood: Seeking the Tree of Life.
Omeka CMS
The Omeka CMS interface provides users with a number of themes to select from, providing exhibits with a customizable look. The designs achievable however were inconsistent with UVic's branded aesthetic.
In order to create an exhibit in Omeka users must first build a collection of records by uploading images with corresponding metadata. As this work had already been performed in CONTENTdm, duplicating the effort in Omeka would result in the creation of redundant content.
Cascade CMS
The Cascade CMS edit mode provides users with site navigation options on the left side of the page and content building via WYSIWYG or HTML interfaces on the right.
The Libraries' Cascade template allowed me to create an online exhibit consistent with the navigation and visual design of UVic's web identity, providing users with a streamlined web browsing experience.