Getting Started
What deliverables are required?
To publish a resource kit you will need to create at least 3 activities.
What’s the expected time commitment from our staff?
There is no specific time estimate because it varies based on content, number of resources, and institution. Using the onboarding documents and compiling your resources and metadata in advance will save time. For a resource kit with 3 robust activities, an average amount of time would include 1-2 hours to fill in the resource kit template with already-created content, 5-8 hours to compile images and metadata, and 3-4 hours to enter everything into the MDL platform.
What types of museum staff do we need?
There is no staff requirement because it varies based on content, number of resources, and institution. One staff person is sufficient if they have access to all the resources and content and can attach the metadata–that could be education, collections, or exhibit staff. We do recommend at least two staff members collaborate in order to make the process more streamlined and manageable. If your institution has separate departments you can divide the tasks such as collecting files, collecting metadata, filling in a template, etc.
Are there timelines or deadlines involved or do we work at our own pace?
There are no timelines or deadlines to submit material; however, we do ask that you have completed resource kits before publishing them to the platform. Your museum page will be shown as “Coming Soon” until content is added to the platform.
Who uploads our content to the MDL platform?
You do! We have found it is easiest to identify a point person who will do all of the uploading and creation of activities for a single Resource Kit. Use the folders to organize your media and objects for each Resource Kit.
Is there a vetting or review process that we need to participate in before uploading our materials?
Currently there is an informal review process. If you would like someone on the MDL team to review your materials for feedback, please contact us.
- In order to publish a resource kit, you must have at least three activities.
- We also ask that you do not share any content that is offensive.
- Please ensure that you have the rights to upload any media or objects that you use and follow the Terms of Use.
We are a non-collecting institution. Can we participate?
Yes! You can participate with other digital assets such as educational material, exhibit panel text and graphics, or other institution-created materials.
Do we receive reports on site use or any other analytics?
Yes. We are using Google Analytics to track site usage.
Where do we go if we have questions?
If you have a question that is not addressed in this FAQ, please use this form to contact us directly and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Can I provide feedback on the platform function and/or content creation?
Yes. You can also use the contact us form to give suggestions.
Creating Content
Can we use resources that have already been created for our museum?
Yes! You can certainly use content that is already available and it might save you time. You will need to make adjustments to your content to follow the format of the MDL platform, but our variety of activities allow for fun ways to present information and engage students.
What kinds of collection objects can I use?
We encourage you to use a variety of collections objects that align well with the content including artifacts, audio/visual material, media, specimens, property or buildings, and other types. You can upload media in the following forms; JPG, PNG, PDF, as well as links from YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud and Sketchfab.
Are the museum staff providing the images and metadata info for the collections AND creating the interpretive/educational info as well, to fit into the MDL template?
Everything is provided by you so that your images and metadata match to the interpretive content you add. No other institution will have access to your uploaded content. You are able to collaborate with other institutions to create content if you choose to do so.
Are you able to provide more information about the process for putting together the Resource Kits, what format they take, and what information/materials MDL needs from our digital collections? How do I start creating a resource kit?
We have provided a template with extensive supports on the website including; templates to organize information and brainstorming ideas for activities, videos to support your understanding of how the platform works, links to educational supports, etc. You can also meet 1:1 with MDL team members to get support with technology or educational development.
Are you able to provide examples of existing Resource Kits? Where can I find existing Resource Kits to get ideas from?
Check out the Resource Kit page on MDL. History Colorado and Field Museum have wonderful examples to refer to as they are both partners in the project.
Uploading your content
How are resources uploaded?
Once you are logged in to your museum account, go to the Media page using the left sidebar. At the top of that page there is an “Add Media” button where you can upload your media. To create an object from your media, go to the Object page and click on the “Create Object” button. Visit the MDL help page for a more detailed walkthrough.
Can I add multiple images or metadata at once?
Yes. From the Media page click on the “Add Media” button and you can add multiple media files at once by dragging and dropping them into the window or selecting the files from your computer. You can also add metadata for multiple objects by following the instructions in the Create Object window and selecting Multiple Objects.
How much flexibility does a museum have once information is uploaded? For example, can we edit collections details or images if we have internal updates? Can we delete or replace existing Resource Kits that we’ve uploaded? Can I edit images, objects, and Resource Kits once they are created?
Yes. Content creators have quite a bit of flexibility when creating Resource Kits.
-Images can be renamed for clarity. -You can add alt text to images for accessibility. -Activities and Resource Kits can be saved and edited at a later time. -You can even unpublish a resource kit and make changes and republish.
Requirements
How many objects should we contribute to the platform? What types of objects should we add?
Objects should be added that will be used in your Resource Kits. There is no right or wrong answer for the ideal number or type of objects as all the content is different. Consider looking at the other existing content and/or speak to educators to get suggestions.
Is there a minimum number of activities required for each Resource Kit?
Yes. A resource kit should have at least 3 activities to go live. This is recommended in order to provide robust resources that will be used by educators.
Copyright
Who owns the copyright to the content uploaded to MDL?
All content, including associated copyrights and trademarks, uploaded to MDL is the property of the respective Participating Museums.
Who is responsible for obtaining needed licenses to the content before it is uploaded to MDL?
Participating Museums are responsible for ensuring the trademarks, copyrights, and any needed licenses of the content to be uploaded to MDL can be made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 license.
For more information see the “Your License to Use the Content” in MDL’s Terms of Use.
