Documenting the cultural progress of Puerto Rico in the early twentieth century: (A research project in progress)

Abstract This research work is identifying and documenting information about the cultural events and their development in Puerto Rico. The purpose of this initiative is to increase awareness and understanding of the diversity and richness of the Puerto Rican culture. To achieve this objective, the research focuses on information contained within the catalogues published by museums and institutes in Puerto Rico in the first half of the twentieth century. Theses catalogues are being digitized and the digital objects are being placed in a repository. Guidelines for developing collaborative permissions policies will also be formulated to focus on copyright procedures and requirements for capturing, documenting, reusing, and portraying the information about cultural objects on the island. A two‐phase methodology is being followed. In the first phase, the catalogues existing in the libraries and museum of arts in the university are being examined and a sample is being digitized. This information will be used to identify the important institutes and prominent artists during the period under study, and develop profiles highlighting their works. The second phase will involve looking at catalogues that potentially exist in other institutes, libraries, and non‐profit foundations around the island. In both phases, metadata will be created for a sample of documents and they will be placed in a digital repository. All in all, this project will portray the important art, music, and literary events related to Puerto Rican culture, customs, and traditions. Any researcher, historian, or cultural enthusiast searching for information would then immensely benefit from knowing the descriptions of such heritage; information that will be provided by this project.