2018 Washington conference submission
Little but Fierce: The Folger's plans for improving its slice of the world
Eric Johnson - Folger Shakespeare Library (United States)
Abstract: Although it isn't a national library, nor is it located on a major university's campus, the Folger Shakespeare Library joined the IIIF Consortium as a founding member because it sees the benefits of community participation and shared technology. Because of the Folger's internationally-recognized work on early modern books and manuscripts, and its role in fostering the study of early modern culture, the Folger can invite the thousands of scholars who use its collections to use IIIF resources in their own work and encourage their home institutions to incorporate IIIF-compatible technologies.
The Folger has also begun promoting the Consortium to other independent cultural institutions which might not have considered participating. This talk -- directed in part towards institutions that are considering their commitment to IIIF -- will outline the benefits that the Folger expects to realize from the community, as well as the expertise it can contribute. It will demonstrate the first stage of the library's incorporation of IIIF standards into its systems and long-term planning, and point towards future projects (most of them in partnership with other institutions) that could benefit the larger community. It will also consider how non-huge institutions can play a vital and enduring role in the effort to bring cultural media to a wider public.
Presentation type: 7 minute lightning talk to be given in a plenary session
Topics:
- IIIF content communities (museums, manuscripts, newspapers, archival content, etc.)
Keywords:
- cultural heritage organization,
- rare materials,
- strategic vision,
- IIIF consortium