How wonderful it would be if VCU Libraries extended its audience to the world in regards to VCU's digital collections? As a graduate of VCU, 2006 and 2008, I intend to stay connected to VCU and its Libraries. One of my favorite parts of VCU Libraries is its digital collection of historic Richmond images. Recently, Oregon State University provided an example of its digital archives on Flickr (www.flickr.com). Flickr is a website with photo storage, sharing and organization, making photo management an easy, natural and collaborative process. Get comments, notes, and tags on your photos, post to any blog, share and more! (quote Flickr) Please consider adding VCU and Richmond, VA's rich history to Flickr to broaden your audience!
From: a Friend of the Library
Alex Lorch, Acting Head of Special Collections and Archives, replies...
Thank you for the comment regarding our digital collections archive and your suggestion to use Flickr to broaden our digital collections' audience.
Indeed, your comment is very timely. VCU Libraries has been working over the past two years to add a number of its fine collections to its digital library. Earlier this month we were pleased to announce the launch of the VCU Libraries Digital Collections most recent addition: images of the Jackson Ward Historic District.
The Jackson Ward neighborhood and its buildings hosted a thriving African American community from the post-Civil War period through the early 20th century. However, efforts at urban renewal and other projects since the 1950s brought the wrecking ball to many of these architecturally and historically significant buildings. We hope to add several other Richmond and VCU-related collections in the next year.
As I'm sure you are aware, our digital library is available world-wide to anyone with an Internet connection. Very recently, however, Special Collections and Archives has decided to identify some collections to post to the Flickr site on a trial basis. As staffing permits, we will begin to upload some of these materials into Flickr in the next several months.
Thanks, again, for your interest in the VCU Libraries and for your commitment to us as a Friend of the Library. Please let me know if I may assist you with future questions or comments.