Enhancing Digital Presence for the British Library: FCB Inferno Takes the Lead
The British Library, the national library for the U.K., is embarking on a significant digital project to enhance the digital presence of libraries across the nation. This initiative aims to take the British Library's collection, events, and expertise online, making them accessible to a wide audience.
The project does not specify whether it will be available to a specific demographic or geographical area, but it collaborates with libraries across the U.K. to offer access to its collection and events. The British Library's digital project does not yet specify whether it will be limited in terms of resources or demographics.
The creative agency FCB Inferno has been tasked with brand development for this project. Their role includes re-energizing the digital presence of libraries, crafting a cohesive, engaging digital identity that resonates with diverse library users across the U.K. This identity will represent the diversified use of libraries.
The unifying language will represent the various ways libraries are used, from reading books and newspapers to accessing academic journals, maps, sound recordings, and patents. This language will help public libraries present a modern, unified front in the digital space.
To achieve this, the project will leverage OCLC’s technology infrastructure and platforms such as CloudLibrary. OCLC's acquisition of CloudLibrary in 2024 demonstrates the move towards a powerful, centralized platform for library digital collections management and discovery.
FCB Inferno's involvement encompasses strategic design and user experience to ensure the platform is not only technically robust but also accessible and attractive to users. This collaboration addresses trends in library services, focusing on expanding digital content availability, improving identity management, and developing innovative ways users interact with public library resources online.
In summary, the British Library's digital project aims to offer people the chance to explore its collection and gain access to its resources online, while the creative agency FCB Inferno is tasked with raising the profile of libraries and creating a unifying visual and verbal language for libraries. This initiative seeks to streamline digital identity management and enhance user experience in accessing ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming media among public libraries.
As a part of this initiative, the British Library's digital project will expand to incorporate home-and-garden content, intending to provide an engaging lifestyle experience for their diverse audience. The objective is to create a cohesive online space that caters not only to the intellectual needs but also the practical interests of library users across the U.K.
FCB Inferno's role in this project encompasses developing a digital identity that encompasses home-and-garden content, ensuring the platform's visual representation is as appealing and user-friendly as possible to an expanded audience interested in lifestyle matters.
