When a Library Picture Collection Goes Online.

This article describes the use of libraries' original image collection and response to a newly created digital picture collection selected from those images. Picture Collection at Mid-Manhattan Library (MML) of the New York Public Library is a national treasure. It is a collection of over 1 million images, covering twelve thousand subjects and is used extensively by local patrons. MML has created a digital version, since some of its images were no longer protected by copyright. It is shown that collections can speak to new users in new ways. The use of the collection for classroom projects and learning add to its expanded purpose, creating its own attraction to users who might never know of this valued resource or be able to visit it in person.