Mary Van-Weppler Diver, the Special Collections & University Archives Librarian, shares her knowledge of an early predecessor to “moving pictures” such as film: Stereography. On the third floor of the Vasché Library, Special Collections will be displaying their stereography collection in the reading room for visitors to experience.
“It was the original virtual reality,” Diver states in reference to the collection, “We have a wonderful collection of about 400 stereographs.”
Stereographs are dual images placed right next to each other. The images aren’t completely identical, and the slight differences are meant to mimic the slight differences in how our eyes see the world.
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A completed paper DIY stereograph kit available in the collection.
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A stereograph attached to a 3D printed version of a stereoscope.
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These images are then placed and viewed in front of a stereoscope, where the two lenses put together create a sense of depth from the pair of two dimensional images. Visitors who visit the collection will have access to viewing the images through a stereoscope, including one that is authentic. Also available to visitors is a paper DIY stereography kit, which they can take home.
“We wanted to really feature those, and share this wonderful art form and science that was created,” Diver continues.
Anybody who is interested in viewing the stereography collection can make an appointment through the Stanislaus State Library’s Special Collections section of their website, which can be found here. An appointment can be made directly with Diver herself through her email, [email protected], or by phone at (209) 664-6538.
