Oregon Explorer, a comprehensive digital library of the state’s natural resources, will be formally unveiled to the public today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oregon State University’s Valley Library.

In development for the past five years, the Oregon Explorer Web site makes a vast array of maps, charts, tables, data collections, photos, videos, reports and publications available in highly interactive and visually engaging ways.

The Web site is at oregonexplorer.info.

Project developers designed the site to be useful for a broad range of users, from policy makers and analysts to academic researchers to school children. Media professionals will find it useful for reporting purposes, as well.

University librarian Karyle Butcher and Gail Achterman, director of the Institute for Natural Resources at OSU, will kick off the event at 11 a.m., followed by a demonstration of the site by Janine Salwasser and Jimmy Kagan, co-managers of the Oregon Explorer project. The demonstration will be repeated at 12:30 and 1:30.

Computer stations will be available at the launch for participants to spend time exploring the site themselves. Refreshments will also be provided.