Set on the 3rd Floor, the rare collections explorer seeks to promote the use of archival materials for research purposes by students and visitors, make that material is accessible, and utilize the expert staff of the library to help and provide them with topic specialists. Visitors are encouraged to explore extensive content from the special collections through galleries, timelines, a book reader and a 3D object explorer. With its large scale up to six users can explore concurrently. Examples of collections include the George Romero archives, exploration of the Silk Road, and discovery of the history of Noh theatre in beautifully rendered woodblock prints.
Rare Collections Explorer
Hillman Library at University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh was under way with a three-phase project to create a library of the future. Their goal: As physical texts plays a smaller role in library operations, how do we transform the library experience to become become, “an active node in the research and learning network of the 21st century.” Phase 1: How do we get greater value from rare collections without the risk of having everyone handle and damage.
Potion worked with the Hillman Library team to build the Special Collections Explorer, a massive 112 sf interactive portal where a half dozen visitors can simultaneously access all types of artifacts and texts from maps and parchment to 3D Physical objects.
Overview
- Interactive wall for exhibit creation and multi-modal interaction
- Create interactive maps, timeline, or 3D object exhibits
- Rare volume e-reader
- Custom Updatable back-end for all content and exhibit types
- Mobile UI for accessibility
Credits
-
Potion
Concept & Design
Motion Graphics
Content Strategy
Software Development -
Zenith
A/V Integration for Hall of Honor
Set on the 3rd Floor, the rare collections explorer seeks to promote the use of archival materials for research purposes by students and visitors, make that material is accessible, and utilize the expert staff of the library to help and provide them with topic specialists. Visitors are encouraged to explore extensive content from the special collections through galleries, timelines, a book reader and a 3D object explorer. With its large scale up to six users can explore concurrently. Examples of collections include the George Romero archives, exploration of the Silk Road, and discovery of the history of Noh theatre in beautifully rendered woodblock prints.
For the Noh Drama exhibit, visitors can explore the wood blocks in 3 dimensions and high fidelity to zoom in on details. For the Silk Road exhibit, content can be explored by way of an interactive map that connects various texts and media to better understand their context. In each case, the portal serves as a platform for library staff to determine the best format and arrangement to explain and engage visitors and students. In the end, this platform approach gave them not only a series of exhibition, but a tool and training to deliver continuing and new exhibits in multimodal formats so the collection’s true value can be appreciated.
For the Noh Drama exhibit, visitors can explore the wood blocks in 3 dimensions and high fidelity to zoom in on details. For the Silk Road exhibit, content can be explored by way of an interactive map that connects various texts and media to better understand their context. In each case, the portal serves as a platform for library staff to determine the best format and arrangement to explain and engage visitors and students. In the end, this platform approach gave them not only a series of exhibition, but a tool and training to deliver continuing and new exhibits in multimodal formats so the collection’s true value can be appreciated.
Credits
-
Potion
Concept & Design
Motion Graphics
Content Strategy
Software Development -
Zenith
A/V Integration for Hall of Honor