ERDF 109: Digitization Strategy and Framework for the National Library of Malta

The National Library seeks to establish a framework to digitize part of its collections, ensuring preservation of the original material. The main activities comprise, planning of the project down to the least details, issuing of tender for the purchase of the equipment. the actual purchase and installation of the equipment and the training of staff regarding the digitization process.

Through digitisation, the National Library will enable users, regardless of location, to directly access and use a range of digitized materials relating to Malta's history thus promoting malta's cultural heritage and motivate foreigners to get to know more about Malta. Moreover, it will increase access to and help to preserve rare and fragile collections by providing digital surrogates.

The four main results to be achieved at the end of the project are: the acquisition of advanced technological equipment, the improvement of digitization skills for National Library staff, the digital accessibility of National Library material to all, the preservation of the original material for posterity

Direct benefit is two-fold: The general public will have easy access to the National Library holdings and Nationa lLibrary staff will improve tchnological skills by means of the training provided. The e-accessibility of National Library material to all users falls in line with Government policy regarding the availibility of government documents to the general public.