Initially, the Library is contributing materials from a collection of under-utilized historical items, including large format music score and history, literature and fiction monographs, as well as a series of one-act drama scripts from the early 1900s.

As these collections are digitized, they will be available in the library's online catalog to Drake-affiliated users.

"The participation of Drake University Library in BCR's Shelf2Life program supports the Library's role in teaching and learning, promoting the aims of information literacy and providing new methods of accessing important content," commented Rod Henshaw, Dean of Library. "The Library is excited to be able to extend use of its collections into the wider community through the Shelf2Life eBooks and print-on-demand program."

The goal of BCR's Shelf2Life program is to help libraries and cultural heritage organizations share their collections with new and existing audiences. By providing organizations with the tools to digitize and widen access to their collections, BCR's Shelf2Life program helps increase the visibility, use and recognition of their important collections.

To see some of the titles that are now available, visit the Amazon.com website. Under the advanced search capability, search for BCR under Publishers. For more information, contact BCR's Liz Bishoff, Director, Digital & Preservation Services (s2l@bcr.org), or visit the BCR website to see a video describing the project and learn more about BCR's Shelf2Life program.