In this training, I practiced using TimelineJS, a free online timeline creation tool. I chose this tool as a potential tool to utilize for the Virtual TItular Head project, where a key purpose is to share with visitors how Titular Head came to be, and how it evolved and changed over time.
Using this tool, I created a timeline of the early life and the astronaut experience of Dr. Mae Jemison, whose early life stories I wanted to learn more about. The timeline uses, and paraphrases information about her life from a Wikipedia article.
Link to my timeline created using TimelineJS
I particularly appreciated the ease of creating a timeline with TimelineJS, because the process of collecting and gathering data (title of the event, adding descriptions, photos and media) and metadata (including image credits and HTML embeds) were all done on a Google spreadsheet. Having a Google tool means easier data backup and collaboration, which would be extremely helpful as I collaborate on the project with others and plan on passing the project down to other Vivero Fellows in the future. Overall, the final product was minimalistic and easy to navigate, and navigating different media (link, text, and photos) was very smooth as a viewer.
One aspect to consider as I reflect on whether this would be a suitable tool for my project is privacy and the use of external media. Since TimelineJS converts Google spreadsheet file to a timeline on a webpage, the spreadsheet file must be ‘published to the web’ to authorize conversion into a timeline. While being free and extremely easy to use are huge assets of TimelineJS, the lack of privacy could be a concern, especially since my timeline on the history of Titular Head would involve material with potential copyright issues (such as the archived student newspaper articles that are freely accessible on the web but are partially hidden from Google searches to protect individuals identity).
Overall, practicing using TimelineJS was a good opportunity to discover a free and beginner-friendly tool, while recognizing the downside of using such tools (privacy issues). I will consult with my Project Lead and Librarians (as needed) on the use of this tool for our project, and look forward to using this tool or a similar one to effectively tell a story about the history of Titular Head in an engaging way.
References
“TimelineJS – Vivero Peer Mentoring.” Grinnell.edu, 2024, peer-mentoring.vivero.sites.grinnell.edu/timelinejs/. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.
“Timeline JS.” Timeline JS, 2024, timeline.knightlab.com/#make. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.