EXPLORING DIGITAL HUMANITIES RESOURCES, CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPERATIVE FOR LIBRARIANS AND HUMANISTS

Abstract

Digital humanities (DH), also known as ‘humanities computing’, uses digital methods to delve deeper into humanities subjects like history, literature or arts. It is an interdisciplinary field, suitable if you have a background in humanities and the arts, as well as if you have an interest in computing or information technology. In this paper, digital humanities has been conceptualized, the DH resources and research areas are discussed. Types of digital materials are presented. Also technological challenges affecting its implementation are identified and solutions are proffered. Programmes, and courses being offered in Digital Humanities studies as well as career perspectives of the digital humanities librarians or social scientist are explained. Ex-post facto research method was employed to this study as the independent variables were studied in retrospect for seeking possible relation and the likely effects on dependent variables. Literature-based data was analyzed qualitatively and inferences drawn from them. The paper concludes with recommendations which include that librarians and other experts in the humanities should collaborate in their digitally teaching and research activities in the humanities and social sciences and humanities fields.