2025 Upper Midwest Digital Collections Conference and Minnesota Digital Library

Join Greta Bahnemann, the Minnesota Digital Library’s Metadata Librarian, as we celebrate the program’s twentieth anniversary. Session participants will learn about the beginnings of the Minnesota Digital Library and how its programs and services have evolved over the past twenty years. Greta will cover the evolution of this statewide digital collection from its inception, the growth of its contributor base, the addition of an increasing range of materials, the hiring of professional staff, and the creation of metadata standards. MDL staff will also share an overview of more recent efforts in digital storytelling, the adoption of standardized rights statements for the collection, and the development of our social media presence, as well as our ongoing relationship with the Digital Public Library of America.

The presentation will then conclude with an activity for the participants. Attendees will be invited to provide input on and ideas for the Minnesota Digital Library’s future directions via a collaborative whiteboard with sticky notes.There will also be ample time for questions.