Jane Johnson Manuscript Nursery Library

This week, I looked at the Jane Johnson Manuscript Nursery Library (ca. 1740-1759), a collection of the Lilly Library at Indiana University. This collection is made up of educational materials created by Jane Johnson for the instruction of her children. It consists mostly of cards (similar to flashcards) which teach the alphabet and language skills.

Selection Decisions: There is no indication on this site, as far as I can tell, as to whether the entire collection has been digitized or not. It says that there are 438 items in the collection, and that there are 381 items online, but some of the items have been condensed into single digital objects, as in the case of Set 7, which is made up of dozens of small flashcards in a paper box.

Metadata: There is no detailed information about the technology or particulars behind the digitization project (scanning resolutions, etc.), but there is a very detailed description of each item in the database, including the written information, a description of any drawings, and the description of the material. There is no specific date information for each individual item, but the collection is treated almost as a single item, having been given one approximate date. I'm impressed by the amount of descriptive information provided in the form of a scope and content note, but I would definitely like to see more solid fact (that is, if any specific facts about the collection are known).

Characteristics of the Digital Object: Images are almost all clear, high-quality scans. The items that are not available for flat scanning, like the paper box in Set 7, are displayed in the form of digital photos taken from several angles. They're all very easy to see and read. However, it is somewhat disappointing that a user cannot zoom any further than enlarging the image to full screen. While that magnification is good enough for me, a scholar with very specific interests might like a little more zooming capabilities.

Intended Audience: As far as I can tell, the intended audience is primarily academic, as the images are part of a university library system. These scholars are probably studying history, women's issues, mother-child issues, moral and religious education, or language learning.