wfn.org | New technology makes SMU rare books available to all

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Dec. 1, 1998	Contact: Thomas S. McAnally(615)742-5470 Nashville,
Tenn.    {707}

 by Gary Shultz*

 DALLAS (UMNS) - In 1896, English designer and poet William Morris and
his Kelmscott Press used custom-made type and specially manufactured
paper to publish the elaborately decorated Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now
Newly Imprinted, considered one of the most beautiful books ever
printed.

Until now, scholars and bibliophiles who wanted to examine this highly
regarded volume by one of 19th century England's most influential
figures had to visit meticulously protected collections of rare and
valuable books, such as those in Bridwell Library at Southern Methodist
University's Perkins School of Theology.

Bridwell Library has joined forces with Octavo Corp. of Palo Alto,
Calif., to publish and preserve many of its more than 50,000 rare books,
manuscripts and antiquarian printed materials on CD-ROM using
state-of-the-art digital imaging tools.

"The advantage for scholars," said Bridwell Director Valerie Hotchkiss,
"is that they can closely examine the illustrations and texts at their
desks rather than having to travel hundreds of miles to view such
materials under carefully controlled conditions. For the general public,
the use of this technology will mean being able to view them on
computers for a relatively inexpensive price rather than only being able
to see them behind glass."

The format allows the viewer to closely examine every page. The
resolution of each page is so high that it is possible to examine
typefaces and illustrations in detail, as well as see the texture of the
paper and the dents made in it by the printing process.

"By bringing these high-quality facsimiles to a broad audience we are
providing an important resource for students, scholars and other book
lovers. Octavo's digitized books allow everyone to experience the texts
and images in a way that nearly replicates the thrill of holding the
book in one's hands. It becomes a book again, not just a showpiece,"
said Hotchkiss, who is overseeing the project for SMU.

Bridwell Library was the first rare book library in the country to
establish a partnership with Octavo. Other major libraries which have
since combined forces with Octavo include The Library of Congress and
Wallace Library's Carey Collection at the Rochester Institute of
Technology.

Bridwell Library receives royalties from the sale of the CDs, priced at
$20 to $50. Through such partnerships, Octavo has been able to pursue
its goal of broadening access to the rare materials in libraries and
museums around the world.

Decisions about which works from the Bridwell Library collection to
digitize are made by Bridwell Library Staff, scholars using the
library's collections and Octavo representatives. The materials are
reproduced in their entirety, from the original pages, to the binding,
to the marginal
notes and bookplates. Each work includes a commentary by a well-known
scholar and, in many cases, searchable text and a complete translation
when necessary. The digital files are accessible, printable and
searchable.

The imaging process uses digital cameras to minimize exposure to light
and head. The cameras produce sharp and accurate images at resolutions
up to 8,000 by 10,000 pixels. Digital file masters are archived,
compressed and manipulated to produce the best versions possible
for publishing. They are placed on CDs in Adobe Portable Document Format
and are viewable on most computing platforms.

"The Octavo project actually increases the value of the treasures we
collect and care for at Bridwell Library because the true worth of these
books as monuments of humankind's intellectual and artistic endeavors
can be experienced and enjoyed by so many," said Hotchkiss.

So far, the following books from Bridwell's collection have been scanned
by Octavo and made available on CD-ROM: 
* A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson (1755)
* Areopagitica by John Milton (1644)
* Manuale Tipografico by Giambattista Bodoni (1818)
* The Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith (1830)
* The Booke of Common Praier Noted by John Merbecke (1550)
* The New Testament by John Wycliffe (late 14th century)
* Trattato delle Piante & Immagini de Sacri Edifizi di Terra Santa by
Fr.
Bernardino Amico (1620)
* Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted (1896

Bridwell Library is a leading research library with extensive
collections in religious and cultural studies, and the finest rare book
collection west of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1950, Bridwell
Library's Special Collections contain printed books and manuscripts
dating from the twelfth to the twentieth century. The collections are
diverse, but particular strengths lie in the fields of theology, church
history, scripture, philosophy, history, graphic arts and literature.
Fine
illustration and typography, notable provenances and historically
significant bindings distinguish many of these editions. Holdings also
include manuscripts and archival material documenting eighteenth-century
religious and social life in England and America and the fine press
movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Perkins School of Theology, one of SMU's three original schools, trains
students from all religious denominations, offering advanced degrees in
theological studies, sacred music, religious education and ministry. One
of five university-related theological institutions of the United
Methodist Church, the school's learning experience emphasizes thorough
teaching in the basics of the Christian faith and the practice of
ministry, including internships at local churches, hospitals and
community centers.
#  #  #

*Shultz is Associate News and Information Director at SMU.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/