An online digital library backed by the US Library of Congress, UNESCO and 32 partner institutions will launch on April 21, 2009.
Manuscripts, maps, rare books, sound recordings, films, prints and photographs will be available online. Access will be unrestricted and free. The archives will be searchable in seven languages and archives from many difference language sources will be included.
Implications - Digital storage is the future of libraries and cultural preservation, so it's no surprise to see projects like this emerging on a large scale. Via digital means, huge collections of culture can be efficiently stored in considerably larger spaces than they might otherwise require where they can also be accessed via instant directories. As humanity's collective cultural footprint continues to expand, this technology will become increasingly important.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Digital Cultural Preservation
- Opportunity to use digital technologies to preserve and provide access to cultural content on a large scale.
- Free Online Libraries
- Opportunity to create online libraries that provide unrestricted and free access to cultural archives.
- Multilingual Digital Archives
- Opportunity to develop searchable digital archives in multiple languages, allowing for wider accessibility and inclusivity.
Sectors Adopting This
- Digital Archiving
- Opportunity for companies specializing in digital archiving to provide their services to libraries and cultural institutions.
- Digital Libraries
- Opportunity for companies to develop platforms and tools for creating and managing free online libraries.
- Translation and Localization
- Opportunity for companies offering translation and localization services to assist in making digital archives accessible in different languages.
