The Academy goes digital, opens archives for all

Digital collections are really exciting. Fragile resources that could previously only be handled in person are now available for anyone to view online. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the governing body in charge of the Oscars, is the latest to jump on this trend. They've uploaded their massive archives of film publications for the public to browse. This is an enormous and invaluable repository of memorabilia, periodicals, and personal items at anyone in the world can now see.

The collection mostly covers the early years of film, with some emphasis on the silent era. Perhaps the most interesting items are the Alfred Hitchcock Papers, including candid on-set photos and production items from some of his biggest films, and an assortment of sheet music used for silent films.

As with so many research tools, the Academy's archive is educational and fun to browse.