Dive deeper into our collections with new tech

We’ve upgraded digital access to our Cultural Collections with deep-zoom technology.

Thanks to the introduction of IIIF (International Image Interoperability Framework) our catalogue records have a new look with improved functionality.

With the new format, digital images now occupy the top of the screen on the catalogue pages of the Cultural Collections website. Hover over the image and click on an area you would like to zoom in on – and keep zooming! 

You can delve deep into Victorian photographs; marvel at the intricacies of medieval manuscripts; examine ancient coins at close inspection; scrutinise the brush strokes of incredible artworks and the pen strokes of our wonderful 16th century “pamflyt compiled of cheese”.

Watch a video demo of the IIIF zoom on one of our catalogue records:

Via a range of easy-to-use applications and tools, which include the ability to annotate images, IIIF opens a host of opportunities for presenting, sharing, interacting and storytelling with images. You can also bring multiple images together, including those from other organisations. This delivers exciting options for teaching, learning and research. A Minerva Organisation providing an introduction to IIIF is now available to University of Leeds staff and students.

Check out our first IIIF powered digital exhibition, featuring the wonderful drawings of local artist Marie Hartley and providing an excellent way to discover Yorkshire.  

Over the coming weeks, you will start to see more of our collections taking on the IIIF magic as we begin to transform the Cultural Collections website as part of the Digital Library Infrastructure Project.

[header image generated using Microsoft Copilot]