Skip to main content
Intellect

Lee Library exhibit highlights digital collections through April 22

The Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University continues the commemoration of its 50th anniversary with a new exhibit, “Biblio-Tech-A: Digital Collections at BYU,” located at the Level 3 exhibit space. From now until April 22, there will be live demonstrations every weekday from 2 to 4 p.m. showing patrons how these unique artifacts become digitized.

“The library invests significant resources in making its collections accessible and easy to use. One of the ways we do this is by digitizing rare books, photographs and journals for online access,” said Elizabeth Smart, assistant librarian and curator for this exhibit. “Because these materials can be fragile and valuable, they are kept in secure storage areas. Digitizing these materials makes them available around the clock through any Internet browser.”

Currently, the library’s digital collections have from 300,000 to 400,000 page views each month. Many of the handwritten items have been transcribed for easier keyword searching. This allows students and researchers ready access to materials that would have previously been stored in secure library stacks or off-campus.

Even less conventional materials can be digitized. For example, Mary Farahnakian, a professor in the Theatre and Media Arts Department, has a large collection of costumes and clothing that have been digitized allowing for easier searching and research for her students.  

“Biblio-Tech-A: Digital Collections at BYU” is the second of seven exhibits to celebrate the HBLL’s current site. Throughout the year visitors to the Level 3 exhibit space will be able to learn about collecting, preservation and history as well as see some of the treasures of BYU.

For more information, contact Roger Layton at (801) 422-6687 or roger_layton@byu.edu.

Writer: Mel Gardner

Related Articles

data-content-type="article"

From Campus to Kayaks: BYU students teach local school children about Utah wetlands

July 28, 2025
Recognizing the wetland treasure of the Provo River Delta and hoping to share it with the rising generation, recent BYU graduate Josh Hammari developed a two-day camp to inspire wonder and environmental stewardship in 8-12 year olds.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

Want to thrive in your 30s? BYU study says education and service in your 20s are key

July 16, 2025
New BYU research shows that hitting the books and helping others in your 20s leads to a happier, more regret-free life in your 30s.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

Wildflowers not wildfires: How BYU and Provo City are helping to restore Rock Canyon Trailhead

July 10, 2025
At Rock Canyon Trailhead in Provo, Utah, BYU researchers are fighting fires with flowers. By replacing a problematic weed called cheatgrass with wildflowers, students and faculty are working to protect and restore one of Provo’s most popular hiking spots.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=