2025 Upper Midwest Digital Collections Conference and Minnesota Digital Library

Meet at 1pm at the conference registration desk (outside the Red Cap Room) on the 2nd floor of the Union Depot. The tour leader will be Zach Miller from Minitex.

The Gallery of Wood Art is about .7 miles from the Union Depot (about a 15-minute walk). Note that the walk is uphill on the way to the Gallery.

Located in downtown Saint Paul's historic Landmark Center, the Gallery of Wood Art offers an often surprising and always engaging view of contemporary works created in wood.

Please note: While not required, a computer or phone may be useful for full participation.

This workshop will explore the critical role cultural heritage staff play in balancing access and long-term preservation to digital content. Practical guidance on appraisal/selecting for preservation, assessment, and advocacy will equip attendees with actionable steps to begin or enhance their preservation efforts. Participants will also gain insights into the current landscape of the field by learning about collaborative models for digital preservation and emerging regional initiatives. Discussion time throughout the session will provide opportunities for participants to explore their current environment and plan for the future.

Attendees of this hands-on workshop will learn about free digital storytelling tools developed by the KnightLab at Northwestern University, including StoryMapJS and TimelineJS. Each participant will be able to work on sample projects using both tools, so they should bring a laptop to use or team up and share with a colleague. While these tools can be used to provide interpretive structure to any digital collection, we will start by using items from the Minnesota Digital Library. Participants will have the opportunity to work with their own digital collections if time allows.

Learn how CONTENTdm, the archival community’s landmark digital collection system, is evolving to help diverse institutions build, preserve, and showcase their digital objects with a hosted solution that maximizes discovery of your unique materials. In this interactive session participants will engage in activities and discussions focused on evaluating existing and potential digital collections workflows that leverage software like CONTENTdm and the collaborative environment of the wider special collections and cultural heritage ecosystem.

A variety of bars, bottled water, and pepsi products will be available during the preconference break.

Meet at 2:30 pm at the conference registration desk (outside the Red Cap Room) on the 2nd floor of the Union Depot. The tour leader will be Maggie Snow from Minitex.

The tour will take place from 3pm-4pm at George Latimer Library, the central branch of Saint Paul Public Library.
Located at 90 W. 4th St., St. Paul, MN. 55102, the library is .6 miles from the Union Depot, about a 15-minute walk.

Named in honor of the former mayor of Saint Paul, George Latimer Central Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to serving as a central hub for learning, culture, and community engagement, it also contains historical and other special collections.

We are offering three options for conference attendees who would like to have dinner together in the area. Sign-up sheets will be available at the conference registration desk. All restaurants are under a 10-minute walk from the Union Depot.

Lost Fox
Starters, Burgers, Sandwiches, Chicken Wings, Rice Bowls, Salads, Sides

Erta Ale Ethiopian
Authentic Ethiopian, Bar, casual American

The Bulldog - Lowertown
Starters, salads, fish, burgers, protein bowls, sandwiches, beer, desserts

Dinearound groups will meet at the conference registration table (outside the Red Cap Room) at the Union Depot at 5:30 p.m. and walk together. Participants are responsible for the cost of their meal, drinks, and tip.