Omeka.net is a web-based platform for creating public digital exhibits. It is best for projects focusing on objects and curation, which makes it a great option for projects involving archival materials. However, it can also be used to organize and present research materials such as photographs and multimedia. In addition to showcasing individual items, Omeka offers multiple ways of linking items together into collections and highly visual exhibits.
How can I use Omeka?
Omeka can support instruction, research, class projects, and more. A site can be created by an individual or can have contributions from a larger group. Some common uses include
- Creating an Omeka site for your class and designing an assignment where students contribute to it
- Organizing and publicly presenting materials from a research project
- Creating a digital complement for your physical event or exhibit
How do I know if Omeka is right for my project?
- The atomic unit of Omeka is the item. If you have a project that focuses on a collection of items—such as archival materials, photographs, or other multimedia—Omeka may be a good option for you. Omeka is not suitable for building more general-purpose websites.
- Metadata and description are integral parts of any Omeka project. You must be prepared to robustly describe the items that you want to add to your site.
How do I get started?
Anyone can create a trial Omeka site for free. However, University of Pittsburgh affiliates can request access to a site through the University Library System’s paid Omeka.net plan. A site provided by the ULS offers greater functionality through a larger list of plugins and themes, as well as dedicated training and consultation support. A library-sponsored site requires an application; you can start that process by filling out our Site Interest Form. A member of the library’s Omeka Team will reach out to you soon to consult with you about your request.
How do I learn more about Omeka?
Check out one of our workshops or schedule a consultation.
Example Omeka Sites Created by Pitt Affiliates
- The Blue, Gold and Black Digital Archive – This project, a collaboration between the ULS and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, collects archival and user-submitted materials that reflect the incredible variety of experiences and memories of Black students, faculty, and staff at Pitt.
- Erroll Garner: Four Thematic Snapshots – Curated by graduate students and faculty of the University of Pittsburgh Jazz Studies program using the Erroll Garner Archive
- Round the Globe: Travel Routes of Children’s Literature – A project website investigating how the history of children’s literature was shaped by transnational trade, colonization, evangelism, and struggles for independence
- Science Fiction Fall 2019 – This site presents items from Special Collections that were digitized, described, and connected using narrative exhibits by students in Dr. Jessica FitzPatrick’s 2019 undergraduate Science Fiction class
- University of Pittsburgh Archival Scholar Research Awards (ASRA) – Created to showcase work by the Archival Scholars Research Award recipients
- Voting Is Power: A Commemoration of Voting Rights History and the Continued Struggle – An exhibit created at the ULS to showcase materials related to voting rights in the United States
