Collection PrinciplesNYPL provides an excellent background of this collection of stereoscopes. These stereoscopes were popular in the 19th century, Dennis began collecting them in 1938, and continued to collect for forty more years. The NYPL intends for the entire collection (40,000 images) to be digitized front and back. In addition to a collection history specific to the collector who assembled the stereoscopes, they also give a history of how stereoscopes work, and how they function, as entertainment and as a research tool. The site exhibits great organization and is easy to use. While they do not specifically address why they chose the pictures that are on the front page, it is very simple to access the collection contents. Furthermore, there is a related subjects option.
Object Characteristics
This site exhibits excellent digital quality images. My favorite aspect was the option to view the verso of the object, as many of the photographs have writing on the back. In general the images are of very high quality and can be enlarged for a more detailed view. The only critique I can make is minor, and I am not even sure there is a solution: these images were meant to be seen through a device that would give the impression of three-dimensionality. It would be ideal if, through some sort of computer magic a 3D image could be displayed.
Metadata
Metadata is included for all images display on the site, including description, date, and NYPL digital image ID. When one clicks the image, another page is opened with a larger image of the stereoscope and a much more detailed set of metadata, including a more in-depth description, medium, Subject headings, call number, etc.
Intended Audience
The photos in the collection are from all 50 states and Hassler Glacier in Chile, so historians or residents of these places might be interested in photographs of their location of interest. Also, people interested in the period dress, architecture, and environment might find these useful visual sources.
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