Ancient libraries seek development in digital era

The directors of Tianyi Pavilion and Malatestiana Library, two of the oldest libraries in the world, shared the application of digital technologies in the preservation and promotion of the traditional libraries during an online event on Dec 5.

Built in 1561 by Fan Qin, an official during the reign of Emperor Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Tianyi Pavilion is one of China's oldest extant private libraries. The Malatestiana Library, which was built in Cesena, Italy, in the 15th century, is one of the oldest public libraries in Europe.

Tianyi Pavilion has used technologies, such as virtual reality and digital twin, to create an immersive platform through which visitors can travel around the library and see the exhibits without leaving home.

During an online event entitled "Tianyi Talk", Huang Gang, director of the information network department of Tianyi Pavilion, said that Tianyi Pavilion has utilized advanced technologies to digitalize its ancient book collections. The digitalization of the books involves data collection, data processing, and utilization of data.

Paolo Zanfini, technical director of the Malatestiana Library, noted that the key to the digitalization of ancient books is to transform simple data into cultural resources, requiring workers tackle various problems related to data management.

"It is more than just the display of pictures. Workers should be very familiar with the original books so that they can make the digitalized version look just like the original," he said.

In recent years, the library has developed a workflow for book digitalization and engaged in several digitalization projects to share its digitalized literature.

Zanfini said that the innovative digitalization practices that Tianyi Pavilion launched are worth learning. The effective application of digital technologies helps promote ancient libraries to the public.