Building Libraries Together: New Tools for a New Direction

building-logo

(NYtimes on this announcement, video of talks)

Let’s work together to save all human knowledge.  Today the Internet Archive is announcing a new beta site and new tools to encourage everyone to lend a hand.

Prototype Table Top Scribe for scanning books

Prototype Table Top Scribe for scanning books

We were founded in 1996 as an archive OF the Internet; we saved web pages and made them available through the Wayback Machine starting in 2001. In 2002 we became an archive ON the internet when we began digitizing and hosting movies, books, TV, music and software by working closely with libraries and online communities. Much of the work of building the current archive has been done by us and a relatively small number of selected partners.

Today marks a change in direction.

Listening Room

Listening Room

We are creating new tools to help every media-based community build their own collections on a long term platform that is available to the entire world for free. Collectors will be able to upload media, reference media from other collections, use tools to coordinate the activities of their community, and create a distinct Internet presence while also offering users the chance to explore diverse collections of other content.

In this future, communities and libraries will take the central role in building collections, leveraging the tools and storage of the Internet Archive.

Political campaign ads

Political campaign pilot interface

Still in its early development, the Internet Archive is looking for feedback and help in this new direction.  Shaping these tools will be a joint process with our library and community partners.

Introducing new tools today, with further developments to come:

    • Table-top book scanner that works with back-end Archive technology and staff to create beautiful online books
Beta preview of archive.org

Beta preview of archive.org

The Internet Archive needs your help to create and use these tools.   Your donations of time, money, digital and physical materials can help us Build Libraries Together.

4 thoughts on “Building Libraries Together: New Tools for a New Direction

  1. Pingback: Brewster Kahle Discusses The Internet Archive’s “New Direction” | LJ INFOdocket

  2. Seth Wolfwood

    Exciting announcements!

    I’m very excited about the book scanner in particular. Is the tabletop book scanner going to be something that I can get involved with?

  3. Paul Wesling

    Kudos! Some of our IEEE groups will be likely users, since have a considerable amount of historical data about technology development that isn’t represented in our on-line collection. Add me to your mailing list, and drop a hint about how to support the Archive.

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