The Smithsonian is now releasing millions of digital treasures for public use

Smithsonian Open Access Launch Event · 39:50 · Video: Smithsonian · Watch at the source

In short: The Smithsonian has launched an open access initiative, granting the public unrestricted permission to download and repurpose millions of digital items. This video covers the launch event, highlighting how the institution is leveraging new technology to make its vast collections more accessible than ever before.

The initiative provides access to nearly 3 million digital assets, including both two-dimensional and three-dimensional files. These resources originate from a wide network of institutional sites, encompassing nineteen museums, nine research facilities, various libraries, archives, and the National Zoo.

The launch event featured insights from key figures including Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, Board of Regents Chair Steve Case, and representatives from organizations like Creative Commons, Google Arts & Culture, and the Wikimedia Foundation. This project represents a significant shift in how the institution shares its historical and scientific data with the world.

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