Content and Context in a Single Image: Multi-format analysis of Lewis Hine photographs in Special Collections

Abstract

We will present a lesson plan developed by Special Collections faculty leading archival and visual literacy sessions. During the hands-on exercise, students analyze an original photography print, a digital surrogate, and a publication that includes the same photograph within the text. The worksheet directs their analysis and a class discussion includes both structured and unstructured, open reflection on the photograph and their research experience. Our goals are to introduce visual literacy concepts for historical research; encourage use of historical visual items when developing research questions; demonstrate the research process using multiple format types for comparison; and familiarize students with working in a special collections department. This case study is the focus of a book chapter, “Content and Context in a Single Image: Multi-format analysis of Lewis Hine photographs at UMBC,” in the forthcoming book, Unframing the Visual: Visual Literacy Pedagogy in Academic Libraries and Information Spaces.