Nick Miller
Web Site: http://www.aihc.amdigital.co.uk/
The link above takes you to an informative and well developed web page that provides an in depth look at what they title American Indian Histories and Cultures. Upon loading the web page, you are immediately met with pictures that provide you with options in the bottom left-hand corner of each one. There is also a menu along the top that has categories such as: Introduction, Documents, Chronology, Maps, Visual Resources, Further Resources, and Help. Further to the right of the menu there is a spot to Register and Log-In, along with a search toolbar.
Personally, I am a big fan that they provide a basic outline of what the whole website will do for you, right on the home page. Their description reads, “Explore manuscripts, artworks and rare printed books dating from the earliest contact with European settlers right up to photographs and newspapers from the mid-twentieth century.”
Unfortunately, the website also limits you. Unless you are a member and are logged in, the Introduction section of the menu is the only place that you can visit and somewhat explore. All of the other sections, excluding Help, prompt you to log in prior to allowing you to move on. The positive turnaround however, is that they do provide you with more information in the Introduction section. Nature and Scope, The Newberry Library, Thematic Areas, Take a Tour, Editor’s Choice, Editorial Team, and Copyright Information are all areas that you are able to click on to receive more information about from the Introduction tab of the menu.
All in all, American Indian Histories and Cultures seems like a combination informative, useful, and interesting information. Having the ability to access just some of the information without being a member is a good idea because it provides the “want” factor in that it makes users feel the want to register and become a member.