Boutique

Opportunities in Digitising and Promoting Cultural and Research Collections

par François RENAVILLE, Renaud ADAM and Cécile OGER (eds.)

How can heritage institutions reconcile the duty to preserve fragile historical collections with the growing demand for open, digital access? This book explores that question through the lens of a European Erasmus Staff Training week, where librarians, curators, project managers, and researchers met to examine the challenges and opportunities of digitising and promoting cultural and research heritage. Opening Up Our Heritage offers a rich overview of current practices, institutional strategies, and collaborative projects that bring rare books, scientific instruments, photographs, and local archives into the digital age. With case studies drawn from across Europe, the Americas, and South Africa, the book highlights how technology can both safeguard and activate collections – ensuring their transmission to future generations while engaging new audiences today. Structured in four thematic parts – Preservation and Digitisation; Data Structuring and Connectivity; Promotion and Showcasing; and Community Engagement – it captures the diversity of approaches and shared ambitions in the cultural heritage sector. A timely and practical resource for professionals and academics alike, this volume sheds light on the dynamic intersection of heritage preservation, digital innovation, and public engagement. Reflecting the University of Liège’s commitment to Open Science, this book is freely available in open access at: https://e-publish.uliege.be/opening-up-our-heritage/

François Renaville studied linguistics, literature and translation. He currently coordinates the Systems & Data unit at the University of Liège Library. Renaud Adam (PhD, 2011) is a specialist in early modern book history and leads the digitisation unit at the University of Liège Library. He is also an associate member of the Gabriel Naudé Centre (Enssib, Lyon). Cécile Oger (PhD, 2005) is an art historian specialising in the technological and archaeometric analysis of ancient paintings. She curates the manuscript, old and rare book collections at the University of Liège Library.

Cet ouvrage est le résultat d’une collaboration entre les PUL et ULiège Library.  Version électronique de cet ouvrage à l’adresse : https://e-publish.uliege.be/opening-up-our-heritage