Branding your library with Local History: Omeka
Enhance your library's image by uncovering your community's past! From book displays to online exhibits; learn how to introduce patrons to your local history treasures.
About
Omeka is a free, open-source software platform designed to create online exhibits for library and museum collections. If you've ever set up a blog using Wordpress, you can create an exhibit in Omeka. Another benefit of this service is it allows users to include metadata according to Dublin Core standards; which increases the searchability of materials.
Pros
- Ability to create vivid displays online.
- Adherance to metadata standards increases searchability of materials.
- Free and open-source; can be used on multiple PC's and eligeable for free upgrades.
Cons
- Prior experience building websites and web-blogs in Wordpress or Blogspot is a plus.
Examples of Omeka in Libraries
- Memorial Stadium 1924-1992Courtesy of the University of Minnesota Libraries
- The Upper Ringwood CollectionFrom the Ringwood Public Library
- The Quilts of Historic Huguenot StreetFrom Historic Huguenot Street's Archives and Special Collections
- Yama Farms CallingCourtesy of Ellenville Public Library and Museum