Digital humanists often get started with technology by exploring a more efficient or creative approach to a familiar research challenge. Whether that involves finding an easier way to collect or organize resources and information, or discovering new ways to analyze and publicize research, finding technical solutions to a single part of the research process can open up wider possibilities for future development of the whole. Here at Duke we are fortunate to have a diverse community of DH practitioners and partners interested in sharing their knowledge, exchanging ideas, consulting, and training. We also benefit from a rich variety of working spaces and technical resources around campus.
Getting Started with DH at Duke
Community Topics
The DH community at Duke has grown out of discussions and collaborations on particular topics and methodological approach to DH. Another way to hone your DH skills is to learn more about and participate in one of these conversations or groups.
DH Tools
There are many digital tools available for use in the digital humanities, some made specifically for DH and others that can be re-purposed quite effectively for Humanities research. Another good approach to doing a technical project in the Humanities to assess what stage of the research process you are in and explore tools that can help you complete that stage more quickly and/or effectively.
Spaces
A good way to learn how DH can help your work is to check out the spaces where DH is happening at Duke. There are several spaces on campus that provide staff, hardware, and software to help you get started on your project.
Support Units
The best way to get started with a DH project is to talk with one of Duke's support staff. They can help you with various needs from conceptualizing your project to finding the appropriate digital tools and getting the training and technology support that is right for you.
Workshops
There are several workshop series on Duke's campus to learn about digital humanities practices. Attending a workshop in one of these series is a good way to get started with a new digital tool or learn about new methods that can help your research and teaching.