An Electronic “Key” to the Collections

Thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Library Company has a new app to help our readers get started doing research—whether they are using the collection for the first time or returning to the Library Company for further study.  "Key to Using the Collections" is an online tutorial on navigating the website, using the online catalogs to identify research materials, finding digital resources, and conducting research on site.  This first version highlights our African Americana Collection, but we plan to expand it in the future with sections on our other collection strengths.

The app was shaped with input from numerous staff members and feedback from a roomful of K-12 teachers who were on site for the NEH Summer Seminar this past July.  "Key" features photography and design elements by Library Company Digitization Technician—and artist!—Concetta Barbera, whose kite-and-key graphic, in particular, suggests the lively spirit of inquiry that we see in our reading rooms on a daily basis.  Others who contributed creative and technical skills to realize the app include filmmaker Bernard Phillips, IT manager Nicole Scalessa, and especially the app's implementers Victoria Prizzia of Habithèque (a local interpretive planning and design firm) and Terreyl Kirton of re:freshtech.

Take a look!  Especially watch for Jim Green and other staff in their cameo roles.

Then hit the ground running on your next research trip to the Library Company.