

The National Library of Scotland is an information treasure trove of Scotland’s knowledge, history and culture with millions of books, manuscripts, maps and films.
In September 2016, the National Library of Scotland opened its Moving Image Archive for the very first time in Glasgow, within a transformed iconic Kelvin Hall.
The extensive archive includes a vast collection of film footage capturing the life and culture in Scotland, and Britain over the last century.
We were asked to develop a digital interactive experience that would connect people of all ages and experiences to the unique, historical and culturally rich collection of films and leave a lasting impression.
"POPcomms delivered a beautifully designed, engaging and intuitive multi-touch visitor experience that showcases the Library’s film and video collection at our new centre at Kelvin Hall"
Gill Hamilton, Digital Access Manager, National Library of Scotland

What the National Library of Scotland wanted to achieve
Bring the Moving Image Archive to life
The collection consists of over 46,000 documentaries, creative, experimental and observational films from over the last 100 years. It offers a very rare insight into Scotland’s history which the experience needed to celebrate and highlight.
Create an engaging interactive experience
Access to the digital archive needed to be fun, inviting the user to explore and discover in an intuitive and easy way. All ages should be able to interact, enjoy and revel in the experience.
Develop a memorable and educational user journey
Culturally, historically and emotionally this collection is hugely important; it has to provide a connection with the past which otherwise would disappear into history and therefore needs to be safeguarded.




Key features of the touchscreen experience

Easy to use for all

Tracks user analytics

Search function

INTUITIVE HELP INSTRUCTIONS

USER RATINGS AND REVIEWS

Content Management System

“From the outset POPcomms had a clear understanding of our brief and worked closely with us to develop both the design concepts and the database back-end. We had regular meetings and catch-up calls so we could discuss and understand how the project was progressing, and the design evolving.”
“The end result is a beautifully designed, engaging and intuitive multi-touch interface that showcases the Library’s film and video collection at our new centre at Kelvin Hall. Our visitors tell us that they love the interface that POPcomms developed for us. I would not hesitate in recommending the POPcomms team and their work to other museums, galleries and libraries.”