--American Memory--

Contents

Search

1. Introduction

2. Substantive Writing
3. Mechanics of Writing
3.1 Abbreviations and Names
3.2 Illustrations: Captions and Legends
3.3 Notes and Bibliographies
3.4 Numbers and Dates
3.5 Punctuation
3.6 Spelling and Special Terms
 
4. Editorial Process
 
5. Editorial Support
 
6. Collection Framework
6.1 About the Collection
6.2 Acknowledgments
6.3 Building the Digital Collection
6.4 Cataloging the Collection
6.5 Copyright and Other Restrictions
6.6 Related Resources
6.7 Scope and Content Note
6.8 Selected Bibliography
6.9 Special Presentations
6.10 Other Components
 
7. Learning Page
 
8. Today in History
 
9. Glossary

6.9 Special Presentations

This framework element is stongly recommended.

A Special Presentation is a document (e.g., essay, timeline, sampler) designed to attract general users into an online collection by showing a collection's highlights or historical significance or by giving essential historical background. Special Presentations are prepared by Division staff, outside experts, and project leaders.

Content may include any or all of the following:

  • Information about the historical context of the collection.

  • Interpretation of collection materials.

  • General information about the collection tailored for certain audiences (e.g., schoolchildren, specialists, topic enthusiasts).

  • Highlights of special treasures or unique features of the collection.

Organization elements:

  • Special presentations are announced in bold or larger font below the collection Scope and Content Note.

  • There is usually a special-presentation home page with a menu of contents (e.g., Music for the Nation).

  • Special presentations are often signed; authors' names appear at the top or bottom of presentation pages or in the Acknowledgments page.

  • Longer presentations should be divided into shorter sections with descriptive subheadings.

  • Special presentations are usually illustrated and enhanced with links to collection materials.
Examples of special presentations include:

        (Top)
September 1999