INSIDE ADAMS IS TURNING TWO!
When we launched Inside Adams on October 30, 2009 we became the second official Library of Congress blog- the first was the LC Blog (launched April 2007). In the two years since we published our first post “…Never be afraid of a book,” the Library has added 5 more official blogs to its roster:
- In the Muse: Performing Arts
- In Custodia Legis: Law Librarians of Congress
- The Signal: Digital Preservation
- Teaching with the Library of Congress
- Picture This: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
My co-blogger, Ellen, thought it would be fitting to share with our readers our favorite post over the past two years.
Here’s my selection:
I have a number of favorite posts, so picking just one isn’t easy. I am especially partial to the features we do about the art and architecture of the Adams Building. I love to learn about the history of our building and the architectural details, from the terrazzo floors to the marble walls, that make our building a work of art. But my favorite post, so far, would be A Sweet Potato History.
The sweet potato is one of my favorite vegetables and it has become my mission to bring to the attention of the U.S. public the difference between a sweet potato and a yam. When I give presentations about blogging at LC, I often use the Sweet Potato post as an example of the benefits of writing a blog. Not only does a blog increase the visibility of the Library’s collections and expertise, but it also provides an example of how the Library can engage in a conversation with the public. In fact, the Sweet Potato post was inspired by a reader who wanted to know more about the origin of candied yams.
I also like this post because it shows how the Library can learn from the public. One of our readers commented that he could not find a reference to a recipe I cited. Wouldn’t you know I cited the wrong cookbook? Thanks to this reader I was able to correct the citation.
Here’s Ellen’s selection:
I too had a hard time choosing a favorite post. I like the posts that are historical in nature like the 1865 post about New Orleans (my home town) because I can always find something interesting to include from the Library’s collection. But I think my favorite post was one from almost a year ago – A Short Visit from a Noted Gentleman. I liked this post for two reasons. One, because I really enjoyed doing the Flat Stanley project and could feature the pictures I took , and two, I thought it was a fun way to show the Library off. I hoped that seeing Flat Stanley on the Library’s web page would be a great way for the students to connect to the Library.
Now that you know our favorite Inside Adams blog posts, what are your favorites?