Challenges

In 2002, the INHA Library launched a digitisation project to promote its exceptional collection and enhance access. This resulted in the Institute opening its digital library in 2006.

Digitisation programmes are presently in progress to contribute to this digital library. These include several hundred ornament repositories, several thousand art sale catalogues, and more. It is imperative for the Library to have an interface that allows them to manage their online resources simply, and gives internet users an efficient way to search and consult the collection.

The INHA has selected Arkhênum to showcase its collections

Art History just a click away

“Back in 2002-2003, we set up a programme to digitise our collections. We selected the documents to be digitised based on several criteria, including relevance to art history and archaeology research and rarity. To date, only a small proportion of the collection has been digitised – 922,245 images available online, equivalent to around 27,334 documents).”

Virtual art exhibitions

This feature allows you to spotlight a given theme. Each month, the library team bring the latest digitised collections to the fore.

Ongoing enrichment of the collections

Since 2003, the digitisation campaigns and continuous publishing of resources online have created a loyal following among Internet users. Approximately 36% return to the National Art History Institute’s digital library website, which has seen a steady rise in traffic and now averages 500 visitors per day. A typical user spends more than 4 minutes browsing the website.

Thanks to the efficient backend of the digital library, INHA continues to expand its digital library independently.

The digitisation campaigns continue

Arkhênum continues to regularly digitise INHA collections in its workshops and at the INHA’s premises. The collections include books, prints, autographs, drawings, photographs, and more.

Latest sharing capabilities

Limb Gallery, a digital library software, was chosen for the INHA digital library due to its viewing and consulting capabilities. Users especially appreciate the seamless zoom function and the option to view and download prints in image and text modes.

Beyond the visual functionality, the INHA was particularly drawn to  the solution’s features, which include a search engine with auto-complete, results preview, facets, 3D image walls, geo-referencing, and ongoing developments.