Zack MacDonald

Professional Biography

As the Map Librarian for the Archives and Special Collections team, I provide research and reference support, instruction for cartographic materials and historic GIS. I am responsible for collection development and management of the Serge A. Sauer Map Collection. I have expertise in and provide consultations on digital humanities research methods, particularly in spatial and digital history and historic GIS.

I have worked in academic libraries since 2014. Prior to joining Western Libraries, I was at St. Jerome's University at the University of Waterloo for five years, where I led the library revitalization and renovation project. I am the Moderator for the OCUL-Geo Community and the Vice President of Professional Development for the Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives (ACMLA).

Education

• BA, History, University of Waterloo
• MA, History, University of Waterloo
• MI, Library and Information Science, University of Toronto

Research Interests

My current research interests lie at the intersection of historic GIS, historic building information modelling, historic environment reconstructions, and discovery layers. I explore how research data and paradata can be imbedded in 3D models to be accessed by end users in immersive environments. My current work explores the use of procedural engines to produce accurate historic (medieval) landscapes and settlements using documentary and archaeological evidence and investigates how game engines and immersive technologies can enhance data discovery and access. I have published on active and collaborative pedagogy in the humanities.

I am a co-investigator on two Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership grants, Environments of Change and Surviving Memory in Post-War El Salvador.