University of Richmond Library Web Site to Present WWII Government Pamphlets, Beginning Memorial Day
May 28, 2004
Government-published pamphlets explaining why America went to war, the U.S. relationship to Allied and Axis countries, and how soldiers could adjust to post-war life will be offered for permanent public view in a University of Richmond library online collection, "America at War 1941-45," beginning Memorial Day (May 31).
The 60 documents are part of a larger collection of about 250, which
Richmond's Boatwright Memorial Library eventually will digitize and make
accessible via the Internet.
Librarians Keith Weimer and Mark Burdette timed the presentation of the
initial documents (oncampus.richmond.edu/is/library/digital/america_at_war/Gateway.html
) to coincide with this weekend's dedication of the new World War
II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
"The Web site offers both searchable content and a look at images of the original pages," Weimer said. In addition to helping researchers, the Web site will also will safeguard the pamphlets. Heavy use by researchers and students can damage the paper documents. "This is an excellent way to preserve information and make it more accessible," said Burdette.
"America at War 1941-45" is the first of several digitization projects being undertaken by Boatwright Library. Later this year, librarians plan to unveil a compilation of all past editions of the campus newspaper, The Collegian, in recognition of the university's 175th anniversary. They are also are engaged in a project with Tufts University to digitize Civil War-era editions of the Richmond Dispatch newspaper.