Book Launch: Collaborative Historical Research in the Age of Big Data

Explore the groundbreaking interdisciplinary project "Living with Machines" in this book launch event and roundtable discussion. Delve into the challenges and insights of conducting collaborative historical research in the age of big data. Learn about the project's innovative approach to leveraging existing digitization efforts to study the impact of mechanization on 19th-century Britain. Discover the complexities of managing a large, multidisciplinary team and navigating the UK's cultural data landscape. Gain valuable lessons for future digital history projects, including the importance of agile methodology, equality, and collaboration between historians, librarians, and data scientists. Understand the need for specialized training in digital methods for historians and the potential of off-the-shelf tools. Reflect on the experiences of the project team, the role of advisory boards, and the challenges faced during the research process. Consider the implications for developing national infrastructure and training the next generation of historians in collaborative, data-driven research methodologies.