McGill University Library embarks on a large-scale digitization strategy

Historic and unique collections will be accessible for generations thanks to high-speed robotic scanner made possible through partnership with U.S.-based Kirtas Technologies and Canadian reseller, Ristech

WORLD LIBRARY & INFORMATION CONGRESS: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council, AUGUST 10-14, 2008, QUEBEC CITY, CANADA – McGill University Library is entering a new era in digitization this Fall, through a unique partnership with U.S.-based Kirtas Technologies and Kirtas’ Canadian reseller, Ristech.

“The technology made available by Kirtas will allow us to reveal the treasures of McGill Library to the world and enable sophisticated means of resource discovery,” said Janine Schmidt, Trenholme Director of Libraries at McGill.

The Library will use a Kirtas APT BookScan 2400RA to digitize its collections in order to support the educational needs of its students and faculty, as well as making the collections available worldwide.

While the Library was an early adopter of digitizing books – their efforts began in 1996 – until now it has never had the ability to accommodate large-scale, mass digitization of texts from its diverse rare book collections.

Among the 300,000 titles housed in Rare Books and Special Collections at McGill University Library are collections of art and architecture, Canadiana, history, literature, philosophy (including an outstanding David Hume Collection), travel and exploration, and the history of the book. It is a true discovery library, actively supporting the teaching, learning and research needs of McGill students and faculty from all disciplines, as well as the wider scholarly community.

“Universities and libraries around the world are home to millions of rare books that generations to come should have access to and be able to learn from,” said Kirtas CEO and Founder Lotfi Belkhir. “McGill University’s Rare Books and Special Collections is a great example of why Kirtas was founded. I’m delighted we’re able to support this important initiative at McGill.”

Once the books are digitized and processed, files will be made available worldwide through the Library’s online catalogue and books can be printed on demand through major online retailers such as Amazon.com and Lulu.com.