A few months ago, I had an idea for the Library of Congress (where I work)—what if our business cards could do more than share our contact info? What if they could reflect the mission of the Library itself?
As part of the Library’s strategic goals, we often talk about “expanding access.” That means making collections, experts, and services available where, when, and how users need them. Whether that’s through digitization, exhibitions, educational outreach, or something as small as a business card—it’s about meeting people where they are.
Around the same time, the Library’s Development Office was actively fundraising for upcoming exhibitions. I started thinking: what if we could leave something tangible behind when speaking with potential donors? A tiny, meaningful reminder of what we were trying to share.
So I sketched out a simple idea: keep the standard Library business card on the front, but on the back, feature an image from the collection—a primary source, a striking photo, a beautiful map—and pair it with a short URL or QR code that links directly to the item online.
It becomes a conversation starter, a prompt, a bridge between the physical and digital collection. For Development staff, it could support specific fundraising efforts. For everyone else, it offered a way to personalize their cards with an item that resonated—whether related to their work or simply something they loved from the collections.
I mocked up a few designs and tested the layout with different images. The result feels simple and human—a practical way to bring collection items into everyday conversation.
It becomes a pocket-sized reflection of the Library’s purpose, quietly reinforcing what connects us all—access to knowledge.
