Future Directions of the North Carolina Literary Map Poster

Poster presented at the American Library Association Conference in 2012: http://ala12.scheduler.ala.org/m/node/2498 Partnering with the North Carolina Center for the Book, the University Libraries at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro are developing an innovative online literary map of North Carolina to support public interests, encourage student research, and document the state's rich literary tradition. This unique project is a database-driven, searchable/browseable, multilevel, multimedia online research tool which provides an extensive amount of content on works written about North Carolina and authors associated with the state. Originally designed for academic researchers, the map has expanded in both scope and content to include K-12 students, public library patrons, cultural tourists, and readers of all ages and interests. In the expansion of the audience, the project has increased collaboration among patrons, librarians, educators, authors, and prominent members of the literary community within North Carolina. Currently, a formal launch for the website is planned for the fall of 2012. This poster presentation will cover the development of the project, statewide collaborative efforts, and future ventures which include digitization of original manuscript materials, development of educational curricula and cultural resources, and sustainability of the map.