THE most comprehensive collections of books, films and other material about Scotland is set to go online.
The National Library of Scotland has announced eight million items from its collection will be made available online over the next 10 years, ranging from Robert Burns manuscripts to memorabilia from the independence referendum.
Rare maps, sound archives and thousands of films on life in Scotland will also be made available.
At present there are more than 70,000 visits a year to the reading room in the library’s Edinburgh headquarters, and its website gets some three million visitors a year.
The library says its long-term aim is to make as much material digitally available as possible, subject to restrictions around copyright or conditions set by publishers.
National librarian Dr John Scally said: “The internet has created a revolution in how people expect to be able to access information.
“We want people to be able to connect to our collections from wherever they are, rather than having to consult material in the library.
“We are committed to removing as many barriers as possible that prevent people accessing our services.
“Our role is to be the guardian of the published and recorded memory of Scotland for current and future generations. Our aim is to make the knowledge held within our collections as widely available as possible.”
The digitisation of items was signalled in 2012 when the Scottish Parliament approved new structures for the library.
The library has already digitised a number of items including the last letter of Mary Queen of Scots and the first books printed in Scotland in the 16th century. Its plan, The Way Forward: 2015-2020, will continue to add to what has been digitised.
It will also mean fragile items at risk of damage through physical contact can now be viewed safely with the original being preserved.
As part of its ‘reaching out’ process, the library says it will improve and extend its estate in Edinburgh to provide high standard public facilities, and will strengthen its presence in the west of Scotland and progressively develop the Kelvin Hall partnership in Glasgow.
The library’s plan adds: “We will explore opportunities to establish our physical presence in other parts of Scotland.”
Culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The National Library’s new Strategy 2015-20 highlights the key role the library plays in educating and supporting research and innovation, and enhancing Scotland’s profile here at home and abroad.
“I am pleased to see it is firmly committed to improving access to its impressive collection of 24 million items by developing further its online presence to make its collections more widely available.”
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