Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University Libraries recently unveiled its new Digital Collections site, accessible at https://digitalcollections.syr.edu. The platform, curated by the Libraries’ Digital Stewardship team, showcases distinctive content from the Special Collections Research Center. Utilizing the Quartex software platform, chosen for its flexibility and front-end capabilities, the Libraries aim to share locally held materials globally.

Users, including students, faculty, staff, and researchers, can navigate the site via various drop-down menus to explore collections organized by subject, name, location, format, or source. Featured collections like The Plastics Collection and the Ted Koppel Collection are highlighted, alongside hosting digital exhibitions such as "Our Doors Opened Wide" and "A Courageous Stand."

Déirdre Joyce, head of digital stewardship and the Digital Library, expressed excitement about the site's potential for increased access to unique content: “There are enormous opportunities to leverage the capabilities of this platform to support creative digital scholarship."

Scott Warren, senior associate dean for research excellence, emphasized the importance of preserving rare collections and making them accessible globally: “By investing in state-of-the-art systems like Quartex, we amplify our ability to bring these critical cultural heritage items into Syracuse classrooms and make them available to global researchers.” Warren also highlighted the platform as a tool driving student success, stating, “I’m thrilled our new Digital Collections platform is live!”

This initiative underscores the Libraries' commitment to digital scholarship and enhancing access to cultural heritage materials for a diverse audience.