Historic Joanina Library Digitizes Rare Books for Global Access
The historic Joanina Library at Coimbra University, Portugal, is undergoing a significant transformation. This 18th-century gem, which houses around 30,000 books and welcomes nearly 500,000 visitors each year, is being digitized to preserve its rare collection and make it accessible online.
The digitalization process, funded by the literary authority of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, involves meticulously reviewing and digitizing data from every book in the library. The goal is to have all rare books, including a recently rediscovered 17th-century Roman breviary, available online. Currently, around 300 rare books can already be freely consulted online. By 2030, the project aims to make around 20 million pages accessible to the world. This eight-million-euro project is a testament to Coimbra University's commitment to adapting its historic library to the present time.
The Joanina Library's digitalization project is not only preserving its rich history but also making it accessible to a global audience. With the support of the literary authority of Sharjah, this historic library is embracing the digital age, ensuring its rare books and knowledge can be shared with future generations.
