Libraries are magical places, perhaps none more than The New York Public Library. A unique combination of Research and Branch libraries, it serves patrons from toddlers to postdoctoral researchers to artists and writers. However, it has a challenge with digital -while it’s needed to connect with patrons and to access research resources, the Library makes no money from it. And time a librarian spends managing digital workflow is time not spent with a patron, whether that’s story time or helping to locate a source that will inspire a novel. In short, the Library needs to minimize the money and time spent while maximizing the impact for patrons.
Exhibitions at the Library range from smaller exhibits at a branch library to world-class shows at its major research institutions. Whatever their size and reach, they matter deeply to the librarians and their communities.
The original experience for exhibitions was bare bones in terms of presentation, showcasing, and interconnections – it lacked the ability to tie together related articles, reading lists, resources, and events. The workflow was time-consuming for librarians with limited impact.
The core challenge for exhibitions was creating a system that adapted to the individual needs of the particular exhibit in a workflow that was easy to understand.
A redesign created an improved visual presentation while delivering speed and self-service for librarians and curators.
Librarians and curators were able to craft the experience they wanted with new functionality:
- Custom color palettes
- Slideshows
- Videos
- Connected related Reading Lists
- Connected related Articles
- Connected related Events
The ability to include a tour and special sections for and exhibit was developed for Treasures (note placeholder text).
