Digitization at Gandhi Smriti Library of Lbsnaa: An Initiative to Preserve the Rare Books

Abstract

Manuscripts provide rich, authentic information, facts and evidence for historical, legal and research references. Physical condition of the manuscripts may be decayed due to factors such as climate, insects, acidified paper and old age. A core function of libraries is to maintain and preserve the decaying/ damaged manuscripts for the present as well as use of the future generation. The most significant development in the recent times is to digitize the fragile and rare documents for better access, storage, preservation and dissemination. Digitization is an important aspect of developing digital libraries as it opens up new avenues of access, use, research and preservation of valued information resources. This paper deals with the key issues of digitization at the Gandhi Smriti Library of LBSNAA, which have started digitizing its rare collection with the aim of providing the cost-effective technical solutions for efficient development and delivery of digital services to provide enhanced access to the Library’s collections and other documentary resources, and also to provide shared access to digital collections in cooperation with other institutions. Further, it strives to provide the infrastructure for long-term management of digital material in the Library’s collection through provision of hardware and software systems supporting integrated collection management in a digital environment.