Special Collections 2.0: Using New Technologies to Collect, Describe, Promote and Preserve Rare Books, Manuscripts and Archival Collections

A critical examination of Web 2.0 tools used in special collections, archives, and museums, with an emphasis on using interactive technology to create and preserve content.

Based on surveys and firsthand research across the archivist's profession, Special Collections 2.0: New Technologies for Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Archival Collections offers essential advice and practical ideas for creating, collecting, and preserving born-digital materials for optimal long-term access―using the best of what the new Web has to offer.

Special Collections 2.0 surveys the web's new options for interconnectivity and interactivity tool by tool, exploring the benefits and shortcomings of applying each to the special collection and archives profession. It combines expert analysis of the pros and cons of Web 2.0 with numerous reports of how wikis, blogs, photosharing, social networks, and more are already being put to work in this essential field. Creators, researchers, and caretakers of the historic record―even those anxious about using the Internet―will understand the best ways to put Web 2.0 to work in the service of our cultural heritage.

Beth M. Whittaker, MA, MLIS, is associate professor and head of special collections cataloging at The Ohio State University Libraries in Columbus, OH.

Lynne M. Thomas, MS, MA, is head of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library and Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Rare Book and Manuscript Professor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.