In the US, another cultural digital experiment launches today, with the arrival of the Digital Public Library of America.

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The Digital Public Library of America began beta testing Thursday, promising a site with millions of materials ranging from images of George Washington to footage of Freedom Riders during the civil rights era.

WSJ: Digital public library with vast archive opens

The new Digital Public Library of America (or DPLA) will be kicking off its first big pilot project at the Boston Public Library next month, and it's now gotten a big shot in the arm courtesy of the US National Archives.

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"Starting with over 2 million items, each with its own special story and significance, the Digital Public Library of America will now begin to assemble the riches of our country's libraries, archives, and museums, and connect them with the public, " executive director Dan Cohen wrote on the library's website Thursday.

WSJ: Digital public library with vast archive opens