What is Humanities Data?

When we talk about data, we are often referring to quantitative information gathered in the sciences through observation and measurement. Yet across the humanities disciplines, datasets also play a key role in enabling researchers to answer important questions in their fields. For instance, we might examine archival metadata, geographical data, or population records to contextualise our research. We might also describe the literary, artistic, and historical sources we study as datasets themselves. In this workshop, we will examine the types of data we encounter in the humanities, particularly when conducting digital research. We will also explore where we might find datasets, how we might examine them, and why we might want to do so. Whether you are new to digital humanities scholarship or are simply seeking to enhance your data literacy, this workshop provides an opportunity to consider how engaging with diverse datasets could enhance your research.