Fogler Library Friends - The OliveTree

VOLUME 19 NUMBER 2, FALL 2011

World War II Poster Digitization Project

The World War II Poster digitization project, a collaboration between Fogler Library and Bangor Public Library, will reach a milestone in November when the public will have a virtual view of the collection, as well as the opportunity to purchase full-size reprints. Bangor Public Library’s collection of nearly 800 posters from the World Wars is believed to be among the largest in the country. The digitization project is underwritten by Fogler employee Eugene Daigle and his wife, Barbara, both veterans. Fogler Library will host the online collection on its server.

“I hope that in some ways, seeing these posters will allow people to be a little closer to what went on during World War II and maybe think about what goes on now,” says Eugene Daigle, Fogler’s manager of network services, whose father served in overseas combat. “There are issues on the home front that people never think of. A lot of people gave up quite a bit and still do. If the poster project can share that, it will be quite worthwhile.”

Each poster image will be stored on the Fogler Library server in three sizes: thumbnails in a viewing directory; 8-by-10-inch images suitable for printing; and 5 megabyte files for full-size displays. Fogler Library will sell prints, with proceeds benefitting the Bangor Public Library’s plan to conserve the original war posters.

Although the Daigles are eager to share the posters with the public, their motivation is personal. Eugene Daigle served six years in the Air Force, including one year of active duty during the end of the Vietnam era, followed by 22 years in the Coast Guard Reserve. Barbara Daigle served eight years in the Coast Guard Reserve. Both attended college on the GI Bill and went on to earn advanced degrees at UMaine (business for Eugene, nursing for Barbara).

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