In this blog, we will explore the Digital Library, another way of finding primary sources on HSP's website - one where you will be able to "see" actual documents.   These documents may be of letters, diaries, watercolors, maps, etc.  What you see in the Digital Library is known as an "image," or a high-tech digital picture.  Right now we have about 50,000 images, out of our collection of 21 million items - but the Digital Library grows daily.

To find an image in the Digital Library for classroom use, there are a variety of ways to search.  First, if you search using Discover, the images will be listed there.  (See May 2 blog for how to use Discover.)  Secondly, you can enter a keyword into the search box on the Digital Library's own homepage.  There are a variety of ways to use the Browse function and Advanced Search too. I advise you watch a video under Digital Library FAQ to learn about all the possibilities.

One of the great things about the Digital Library is the ability to create your own gallery to hold those images to which you want to return, say to show on a white board.  Again there is a video to assist you with the procedures.

Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.  We are always looking for customer feedback to improve our services!

PS  Here's a good image to use for the commemoration of the beginning of the War of 1812 - coming up in 2 weeks.