The Bogotá Digital Library: A Wagtail Success Story

Discover how Wagtail powers the Bogotá Digital Library: a collaborative, citizen-driven platform that preserves culture through seamless UX and scalable open-source technology.

Introduction

The Bogotá Digital Library was conceived as an open and collaborative platform to preserve and promote the cultural, historical, and literary heritage of Bogotá. More than a repository, it is a living system where citizens, librarians, and cultural mediators co-create and curate knowledge. To achieve this, we needed a flexible, scalable, and user-centered solution. That is why we built the platform on Wagtail, combining a strategic UX approach with powerful open-source technology.

Talk Structure

• Introduction: Brief overview of Bogotá’s cultural challenge—how to make history, memory, and literature accessible to everyone in a modern, intuitive way.

• Strategic Approach: The methodology behind the project—UX research, user needs, content architecture, and the role of librarians and cultural mediators in shaping the platform.

• Technology: Why Wagtail was chosen as the CMS—its flexibility, scalability, editorial experience, and adaptability to future needs.

• Implementation: How Wagtail enabled us to integrate multiple sources, unify design, and deliver a seamless experience across devices.

• Impact and Results: Key outcomes—citizen engagement, accessibility, editorial efficiency, and how the platform became a reference point for digital transformation in public institutions.

Approach to the Subject

The talk blends storytelling and practice, moving from Bogotá’s cultural context to the technical and strategic decisions that made the project possible. It is supported with visuals, real examples of the platform, and highlights of the collaboration process. The emphasis is on how Wagtail empowered both the technical team and the editorial team to achieve a shared vision.

Takeaways for Attendees

• Learn how Wagtail can be applied to large-scale cultural and public sector projects.
• Understand the value of combining UX strategy with the flexibility of an open-source CMS.
• Gain insights into the process of co-creation between technologists, designers, librarians, and citizens.
• Discover practical lessons on scalability, accessibility, and editorial empowerment.

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▶ Quick Video Tour of Wagtail CMS 7.0 https://youtu.be/r5RbV7TveFU ▶ The Latest on Wagtail AI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zfs1u4Vy5Y ▶ What’s New in Wagtail CMS 7.0 https://youtu.be/v92-6Dy4axI

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