In Thomas Jefferson’s day, the Library of Congress decided to show how modern an historic institution can be. The library plans to attract a public formed by more than scholars and members of Congress, making use of high-technology. Using any of the many touch screens spread around the building, visitors will be able to easily access books from Thomas Jefferson’s large collection, read historic versions of the bible and zoom in on pages they are interested in. Digital technology is not something new for libraries, but Librarian of Congress James Billington assured the public that the exhibit is ‘unlike anything the Library of Congress has undertaken in the past,’ allowing visitors to see ‘stunning detail up close that we’ve only had a general idea of before.’ ‘Artifacts like the Waldseemüller map (the first to include the name ‘America’), the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, the Gutenberg Bible and original volumes from Thomas Jefferson’s Library will be virtually at your fingertips. You’ll be able to flip through their pages, magnify sections of interest and access commentary from the Library’s top experts-all on the same touch screen,’ the Library of Congress’ website informs the public. […]