ÖNB Labs Video-Tutorials

The ÖNB Labs provide digital holdings of the Austrian National Library as “Collections as Data” for research, teaching and experimental applications. These curated datasets offer a wide range of opportunities for computational methods such as information retrieval, text mining, network analysis, data visualisation and machine learning. 

Working with digital collections, programming interfaces and data-driven methods, however, often requires prior technical knowledge. The project addresses this need by developing accessible and engaging video tutorials that facilitate entry into the ÖNB Labs services and encourage users to work independently with the data provided. 

About the Project 

The project develops, produces and publishes video tutorials that explain key services, technologies and potential applications of the ÖNB Labs in an accessible manner. The videos will introduce fundamental concepts and provide practical insights into working with digital collections and technical interfaces. 

The project is implemented as a collaboration between the ÖNB Labs team and students of the Library and Information Studies university course. Working in small groups, the students develop concepts and scripts for potential tutorials. Topics may include: 

• Introductions to key concepts and services of the ÖNB Labs 

• Use of technical interfaces such as SRU, OAI-PMH and IIIF 

• Practical and experimental applications of the available datasets 

• Visualisation and analysis of digital collections 

• Use of computational methods in research and teaching 

The ÖNB Labs team provides subject-specific supervision and supports the students with content-related and technical questions. Following an evaluation of the concepts, selected tutorials will be produced in collaboration with the project team and, where appropriate, with the support of an external service provider. 

Before publication, the videos will be reviewed by the Communications and Marketing Department of the Austrian National Library. Particular attention will be paid to ensuring that the tutorials are clear, accessible and as barrier-free as possible. The completed videos will be published on the Austrian National Library’s YouTube channel and disseminated through the ÖNB Labs website and social media channels. 

The preparatory phase began with the presentation of the project idea to students of the Library and Information Studies university courses at the Austrian National Library and the University of Vienna. Practical implementation is scheduled to begin as part of a student internship in mid-June 2026. 

The video tutorials will provide a sustainable educational resource that facilitates access to digital research data and infrastructures. In addition to their use within the ÖNB Labs, the materials may be reused by other CLARIAH-AT partner institutions, particularly in university teaching.