[Ohiodig] Call to review and revitalize DPLA Primary Source Sets

[PShumaker at library.ohio.gov]

Call to review and revitalize DPLA Primary Source Sets


The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)<https://dp.la/> is an online aggregation portal that brings together  over 50 million primary source digitized items from hundreds of and museums across the country. The portal enables users to discover resources through a single search box, instead of needing to research on each institutions’ website. The DPLA website is a resource for users of all ages, including K12 students, college students, graduate students, historians, genealogists, and the general public.

The DPLA Primary Source Sets<https://dp.la/primary-source-sets> gather approximately 15 - 25 high quality resources from the portal on historical topics into focused, easy-to-digest sets for educators to use in their classrooms. The sets were created to align with C3 Framework for Social Studies and the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies. In 2026, the DPLA Primary Source Set Grant team seeks to review and revitalize these sets to ensure they remain useful, current and representative resources for educators nationwide. See a list of suggested topics here.<https://recollectionwisconsin.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DPLA-Primary-Source-Set-Topic-Suggestions.pdf>

About the opportunity

The Grant Team is seeking educators to update current sets and/or create new sets on relevant historical topics. Applicants may select new set topics from a list or propose their own during the application process.

Analysis of current sets indicates that topics related to the Midwest are underrepresented in the collection. We especially encourage applications from educators with expertise in Midwestern history, and proposals for new sets on Midwest-focused topics.

Contractors may submit proposals for multiple sets. Compensation is as follows:


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$1,000 for updating an existing set
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$2,000 for creating a new set




Eligibility
Applicants must be based in the United States and eligible to work as independent contractors. Selected contractors will be required to complete independent contractor paperwork with the State Library of Ohio prior to beginning work.

What the work involves
For new sets, contractors will:


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Select or propose a historical topic
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Identify 25 high-quality primary sources available through DPLA, representing a diversity of source types (photographs, documents, maps, ephemera, etc.)
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Write a brief identifying caption for each source
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Write an overview (a 300-500 word narrative providing historical context for the topic)
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Assign appropriate time period(s) and subject tags
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Compile a list of additional resources for further research
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Write a teaching guide with discussion questions and classroom activities aligned to relevant standards (C3 Framework and/or Common Core ELA for History/Social Studies)

For revisions to existing sets, contractors will:


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Review all current sources for broken links, relevance, and quality
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Replace outdated or inaccessible sources as needed
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Add additional primary sources to the set, if applicable
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Review and update the overview, additional resources, and teaching guide
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Ensure alignment with current curriculum standards

Completed draft sets will be submitted electronically to the Grant Team for review.

Timeline

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Opening date: April 27
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Application due date: May 22
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All applicants notified by: June 8
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Orientation sessions: Monday, June 22 at 10 am CT or Tuesday, June 30 at 1 pm CT (if neither time works, the Grant Team will schedule an individual session)
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Contract period: June 22 – September 30, 2026

Note: The contract period begins following orientation. Contractors will be paid by the State Library of Ohio upon acceptance of a completed set or revision.

Questions? Contact Penelope Shumaker, Library Consultant - State Library of Ohio, at pshumaker at library.ohio.gov<mailto:pshumaker at library.ohio.gov>

Apply here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf55_hQ9AJWLNw9SwZFphICp3ohPNnIvm5hFzxHegPMrRVNeQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor>

Thanks much,
DPLA Primary Source Set Update Grant Team




[cid:22421654-bccc-4c8e-a266-1554ac890790]



Penelope Shumaker

Library Consultant

State Library of Ohio

274 E. 1st Avenue

Columbus, OH 43201

Tel: 614-441-0793

pshumaker at library.ohio.gov<mailto:pshumaker at library.ohio.gov>

library.ohio.gov


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