What is a THATCamp?
THATCamp is an acronym for The Humanities and Technology Camp. It is an “unconference” open to all who are interested in the digital humanities.
The key characteristics of a THATCamp are:
- There are no spectators at a THATCamp; everyone participates.
- It is small and intimate, having anywhere from 25 or 50 to no more than 100 participants. Most THATCamps aim for about 75 participants.
- It lasts no more than two days.
- It is not-for-profit and inexpensive; it’s funded by small sponsorships (e.g., for breakfast) and by passing the hat around to the participants. Attendance should be free, but attendees can donate to cover expenses if they want.
- It’s informal: there are no lengthy proposals, papers, or presentations. The emphasis is on discussion or on productive, collegial work.
- It is also non-hierarchical and non-disciplinary: THATCamps welcome graduate students, scholars, librarians, archivists, museum professionals, developers and programmers, administrators, managers, and funders; people from the non-profit sector, the for-profit sector, and interested amateurs.
- Participants make sure to share their notes, slides, and other materials from THATCamp discussions before and after the event on the web and via social media.
What is an “unconference”?
According to Wikipedia, an unconference is “a conference where the content of the sessions is created and managed by the participants, generally day-by-day during the course of the event, rather than by one or more organizers in advance of the event.” An unconference is not a spectator event. Participants in an unconference are expected to present their work, share their knowledge, and actively collaborate with fellow participants rather than simply attend.
Who should attend?
Anyone with energy and an interest in the humanities and/or technology.
Is a THATCamp only for scholars / grad students / librarians / archivists / museum professionals / programmers / instructional technologists? Can scholars / grad students / librarians / archivists / museum professionals/ programmers / instructional technologists apply?
No to the first, yes to the second. THATCamp aims at the broadest diversity of backgrounds and skills possible.
What should I propose?
That’s up to you. The conference is self-assembling based on the interests of participants expressed when applying. Sessions at THATCamp will range from software demos to training sessions to discussions of research findings to half-baked rants (but please no full-blown papers; we’re not here to read or be read to.) Applicants are encouraged to share their ideas at this website prior to arrival. The official “program” will emerge at the very beginning of the conference as people restate their interests and form natural affinities.
Still need some inspiration? Why don’t you check out the sessions at previous THATCamps listed at the THATCamp home base page.
How much?
THATCamp is free to all attendees, but a $20 donation towards snacks and coffee will be much appreciated by the organizers. A small number of travel stipends are available for participant in “BootCamp” sessions. (See BootCamp)
