We are seeking continued funding to migrate our Digital Collection Website with an external vendor, Whirl-i-Gig. This website, last implemented 13 years ago by outside consultants, has been maintained and secured over the years using limited internal resources. However, CUNY Central has mandated a comprehensive overhaul to meet updated security policies and accessibility standards, including ADA compliance—requirements that exceed the library’s current capacity and staffing.
Due to procurement constraints, we were unable to advance this project within the current fiscal year and will require additional time to complete the bidding process. As a result, project timelines have shifted, and additional funding is necessary to support the full scope of required customization to meet both security and accessibility mandates.
Without this upgrade, the website—which houses critical archival collections used by students, faculty, and researchers—will remain non-compliant and could ultimately face shutdown. This proposal therefore requests funding to engage Whirl-i-Gig, an experienced vendor, to manage the migration and required customizations. This funding will ensure the website’s security, compliance, and long-term sustainability, safeguarding access to essential research resources.
Students, Staff, Faculty, Researchers, and the general public.
The website will be hosted with the vendor but we retain the ownership of our data and the website.
This project will provide substantial benefits to the college community: Students will enjoy uninterrupted access to archival collections for research and coursework, while faculty and researchers will have reliable access to rare materials essential for their academic work. Additionally, the entire college community will benefit from a secure, compliant website that safeguards valuable digital assets.
Whirl-i-Gig will manage website technical maintenance (security, server, performance), while the Library team handles content updates and user support, ensuring the site remains a valuable resource for the college community.
The Library IT Academic Applications Director
This project aligns with the John Jay College 2025 Strategic Plan in key areas. It supports Goal 1: Academic Excellence and Student Success by ensuring uninterrupted access to archival collections for student learning and research. Additionally, it promotes Goal 4: Community Engagement and Partnerships by serving as a resource for external researchers, strengthening ties with the broader academic community. Overall, the project underscores the college’s focus on leveraging technology for academic and operational excellence.