Audit et conseil en stratégie150 Years of Innovation in the Telecommunications Sector
Institution
International
Telecommunication Union
(ITU)
Expertise implemented
Digitisation audit and technical study
Overall digitisation offering
Web promotion
Background
Established in 1865, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations’ specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). The ITU is committed to connecting people globally, regardless of location or resources.
The ITU Library and Archives Service collects, preserves and disseminates various documents on telecommunications and the history of the ITU. This includes books published on paper and in electronic format, and unique archival documents.
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.
“Arkhênum were always available when needed and went out of their way to meet the demands of our various partners, even when this led to additional challenges. When we requested changes, these were made quickly and efficiently.”
Heather Heywood, Head of the Information Management Service
Discover other achievements
BnF-Partenariats
BnF-Partenariats teams up with 13 newspaper publishers and Arkhênum to digitise and promote their archives on a shared platform
Institut & France
Institut de France puts its written and documentary heritage on show
German National Library (DNB)
DNB: Search. Find. Discover
French National Industrial Property Institute
Preserving brand history
Renault
BnF-Partenariats
BnF-Partenariats teams up with 13 newspaper publishers and Arkhênum to digitise and promote their archives on a shared platform
Institut & France
Institut de France puts its written and documentary heritage on show
German National Library (DNB)
DNB: Search. Find. Discover
French National Industrial Property Institute
Preserving brand history