Challenges

The ITU has published a monthly journal since 1869 to communicate with its members and  global audiences about IT development. The Library and Archives Service intends to share this historical journal collection extensively as it is a valuable repository .

The team launched a project to digitise the entire collection. Before starting, preparatory work was needed to collect the various issues, compile an inventory and organise the best copies. The purpose of the operation is to make the entire collection accessible in digital format worldwide.

A results-based obligation

Arkhênum has been entrusted with digitising the ITU’S journal collection. Their expertise in digitisation services and technology ensure proper handling of the specific challenges this collection presents. The journal issues have been digitised in high quality uncompressed TIFF format.

The 180,000 pages were digitised using heritage scanners to deliver the highest quality. To enable a full-text search, the ITU launched a second stage in its major project: text recognition (OCR) with a minimum quality level of 95% character and word recognition.

Optimising search results

Following a tender process, Arkhênum was chosen for page segmentation (analysis of distinct areas: texts, graphics, tables, photos, etc.) and OCR processing. The formats delivered at the end of this phase include JPEG, ALTO XML, and PDF files with hidden text.

The ITU chose Arkhênum for the promotion stage

As they approached the final stage of the project – sharing the content online – the ITU team discovered the potential for promoting the collection using LIMB Gallery, a digital library solution developed by the publisher I2S. The ITU was drawn to the possibilities of searching, sharing (printing, uploading, transferring), and viewing content in high definition with an advanced zoom function. Consequently, they expressed their interest in continuing their collaboration with Arkhênum, a LIMB Gallery distributor.

An initial step before a wider launch

The Library and Archives Service is exploring other potential projects, such as increasing the collection’s visibility on Gallica and Europeana through the digital library’s OAI-PMH repository or setting up virtual thematic exhibitions.