DPLA Press Release on COVID-19

In a time of pandemic, RF brings you news to use from important digital content partners, in this case the Digital Pulbic Library of America (DPLA), which has shared the following prees release. RF thanks DPLA for working to extend access to content in a time when many libraries have closed doors to physical buildings and digital works are even more important.

Like you, we are practicing social distancing and doing our best to flatten the curve, while also juggling all sorts of new challenges that have come along with the spread of COVID-19. We have been amazed and humbled to see how our community has come together, and we send our best wishes to everyone who has been affected in various ways by this crisis.

We wanted to take a minute to highlight some of the ways that our free DPLA resources may come in handy during this unsettling time.

For Everyone:

With many libraries closed, this is a great time to check out the free SimplyE app, available for iOS and Android. Access more than 5,000 ebook titles--from the classics to contemporary fantasy and sci-fi--ALL FOR FREE by choosing DPLA as your library and tapping on the DPLA Collection. No sign in or library card required! [Eds note: These titles are also availalbe from libraries that deploy SimplyE. SimplyE libraries,. DPLA has also added audiobooks to its Exchange, and don’t forget the Indie Author Ttitles from BiblioLabs.]

For Teachers:

Primary Source Sets: Our collection of free primary source sets cover a wide range of topics from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women  to Negro League Baseball to Angel Island. All include a curated set of primary sources, lesson plans, discussion questions and tips for primary source analysis. 

DPLA Search: Use our search to access more than 36 million images, texts, videos and sounds from our 4,000+ partner institutions across the country. Our collection is useful for primary source research and analysis and research projects on almost any topic under the sun as well creating things like scavenger hunts and games for putting a little fun in e-learning.

Open Ebooks: Our Open Ebooks program provides thousands of free ebooks to Title 1 schools. Readers can immediately download some of the most popular works of the past and present, with no costs, no holds, and no late fees. Titles were selected by DPLA’s Curation Corps of school and youth librarians. Register your school today and start getting free ebooks. 

For Students:

Online Exhibitions: Our collection of online exhibitions can introduce students to more than two dozen topics ranging from the 1918 flu pandemic to Political Outsiders in US Presidential Elections to the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. 

National History Day: Are you researching a project for National History Day? Find out more about how DPLA resources around this year’s theme, Breaking Barriers in History, can help.

For Genealogists: 

Family Research: We’ve heard from some budding genealogists who are using their extra time at home to dig into their family history. This family research guide is an introduction to how to use DPLA’s records in your search.
In addition, here are some other online learning resources that we’ve found helpful:

PBS Learning
Library of Congress: Smart Fun for Kids
Smithsonian Learning Resources
The Kennedy Center: ArtsEdge
NASA Stem Engagement
National Women’s History Museum

We hope that all of you are staying safe, and washing your hands.