Zoos: Historical Perspective

http://www.sil.si.edu/ondisplay/zoos/explore.htm

United States (Texas)

Zoo Guide Book: San Antonio Zoological Park
San Antonio: The San Antonio Zoological Society,



From the Collections of the National Zoological Park Library, Smithsonian Institution Libraries

1. Selection Principles:
The National Zoological Park branch of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries collected and exhibits maps, drawings, & photographs from pamphlets and guidebooks published by zoos from over 30 states and 40 countries over the years ranging from late 19 century to mid 20 century. Many of the items were collected by Drs. William Mann & Theodore Reed; since then, the number of the items in the collection has been growing. The collection presents the valuable perspective on the dynamic human-animal relationships over the period of time (historical point of view) as well as graphic design, illustration, & advertising.

2. Metadata:
For the illustration of a pamphlet, metadata include the illustrator's name, title, & place and time. For the photographs, metadata are indicated as title, place, & photographer's name (sometimes omitted).

National Parks of Belgian Congo
Brussels: Institute des Parcs Nationaux du Congo
Belge and the Office
National du Tourisme de Belgique, Section du
Tourisme Colonial

From the Collections of the National Zoological Park Library, Smithsonian Institution Libraries


3. Characteristics of digital objects:
Images were digitized in JPG; available in thumbnail size & full-size.

4. Intended Audience:
The site specifically states that the online exhibits are intended to accentuate "the value of the resources for both zoo and cultural historians." I presumptuously suggest that anyone who is interested in this collection can be an intended audience as the purpose of digital libraries is to provide universal access to as many folks as they can.