The LSU Libraries has developed a new online platform for the Louisiana Digital Library (LDL). Based on the open-source Islandora digital library software, the LSU Libraries Technology Initiatives team developed the updates to include enhanced features, allowing for greater access and discovery to the 171 collections of the LDL. Patrons can now enjoy the large image viewer with zoom capabilities, full text searching within documents, side-by-side viewing options for audio and text transcriptions, and easy mobile access.
“LSU Libraries is proud to have developed such a beautiful and innovative site that allows the academic and cultural institutions of Louisiana to connect their unique digital collections to users across the world," said Technology Initiatives Development & Management Librarian Mike Waugh. "It is only the beginning, as the new platform has the power and flexibility to support many new projects and collections."
Seventeen institutions currently contribute photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, oral histories, and more that document history and culture to the LDL. The LDL is managed by the Louisiana Digital Consortium (LDC), which consists of libraries, museums, archives, historical groups, and other institutions across Louisiana.
In the future, online visitors can expect more contributing institutions, new digital collections to be added and new features and improvements to enhance the already improved site.
The LSU Libraries includes the LSU Library and the adjacent Hill Memorial Library. Together, the libraries contain more than 4 million volumes and provide additional resources such as expert staff, technology, services, electronic resources, and facilities that advance research, teaching, and learning across every discipline.