Jefferson ́s Taper: A National Digital Library

Abstract

In this paper, the article by Robert Darnton on the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is analyzed in retrospect in order to briefly approach its implementation in 2013. Darnton, using the metaphor of Thomas Jefferson in respect to the light that sheds knowledge and transmits it, reflects on the circulation of ideas and exposes his views on the project and its dangers that he had to face in order to fulfill the com- mendable ideal to make available to North Americans, and to all those who have an Internet connection, the world’s cultural heritage. Then, some general information about the DPLA is presented and how the issues raised by Darnton were solved. To conclude, it is confirmed that the idea of creating a universal library is possible when good ideas are combined with collective work.