What is StoryMapJS? An Example:
To go with this guide, we've put together a video to take you through setting up your StoryMap JS. Different people learn different ways and we recommend that you use and refer back to both the text and video as you work on your project.
To create a new StoryMap:
We recommend collecting all your sources before you create your StoryMap JS. However, if this isn't possible, you can always return to edit your existing storymap.
Storymaps does not auto-save. Be sure to click the Save button at the top of the page as you make changes.
The majority of slides in your storymap will be content slides. Each content slide represents a single location or point in your project.
Content slides should each include a location, their own piece of media (be it image, letter, or otherwise), the appropriate attribution, and text explaining to the reader how they should understand your chosen object.
For more information about adding content to these slides, see the Media and Text sections below.
The title slide contains all the same fields as your content slides for the insert. However, your content insert is accompanied by a map containing all the points from your content slides.
On this slide, the headline will be the title for your entire map, and the text description will be an introduction of sorts to the rest of your presentation.
You won't be able to change the position of the title slide or change a content slide to become the title slide.
Enter the content slide's location in the text box at the bottom of the map portion.
If you're having trouble seeing the location box, you can use Edit > Find and type in "Search for a location" the text in the box will highlight making it easier to see.
Type in a the name of a city, a landmark, or a street address in the location box.
If you don't find what you're looking for, remember the map is using items from a conventional travel map. You may need to find latitude and longitude or another site close by.
To properly include your media (the digital facsimile of the painting, letter, or other documents you selected), you need to:
Including well written alt text in the caption is vital for accessibility, but it also helps everyone understand the context and purpose for your image.
The citation acknowledges who created the text and how the reader can find it. It's important to provide that information following an established standard in order to 1) ensure you have all relevant information and 2) make it easier for the reader to engage the material. You can visit Wellesley College Libraries' Citing Sources Guide for writing those citations or you can talk to a librarian.
The text is where you need to explain how your chosen documents connect to your chosen theme. Here, you need both a headline (1) and text (2).
Working with that text box, you can format your text or add links using the buttons located above the text bar.
To open the StoryMap JS options, click the "Options" (
) button on the upper-left of the screen next to "save" (
). This is where you can manipulate your language and font. More importantly, this is also where you can:
We recommend you play with these options as you assemble your content.
To change the map in the background of your project:
You may not be able to complete your StoryMap in a single sitting. Even if you do, you will likely return to review your project for revisions and want to correct mistakes.
Remember to Save as you make changes.
When you've finished your project, you will want to publish it. There are a couple ways to do this--but this guide will focus on the easiest.
).
The Wellesley College Research & Instruction Team would like to thank the Boston College library team and Dr. Bee Lehman, Senior Liaison Librarian for History at Boston College, for agreeing to let us reuse and share their excellent resources.