49. évfolyam, 2003. 1. szám

Archívum

DUDÁS Anikó: From ancient times to the digital age.

The Vatican Library and its database

The Vatican Library had been developed by popes for centuries. Today it plays the role of a sort of „national“ library as well. It takes part in the work of international professional organisations, provides data for integrated databases. Much time had passed until the modern processing of the collection started. The work of scholars is aided by book catalogues, various scientific series, facsimile editions. The institution, dedicated mainly to the storage and study of manuscripts in previous centuries, is now making efforts to ensure widespread availability besides the more and more complex tasks of preservation. The information system of the library performs complex functions as a result of wide scale international projects. The computerised catalogue ensures the formal and subject cataloguing of documents and makes the display of many digital reproductions possible. By means of information technology the invaluable pieces of art, manuscripts and printed materials can serve as the bases of new knowledge or the subject of research without geographical limitations.

Országos Széchényi Könyvtár Észrevételek