Library of former University of Frankfurt (Oder) (1506-1811) – proceeding and digitization of collections preserved in Wroclaw
In October 2003 University of Wrocław and European University Viadrina n Frankfurt (Oder) signed an agreement about joint realization of that project. Main goals of it is to recreate original state of Frankfurt Library, which collections in 1811 were moved to Wroclaw, to recover remaining books from this collection in Wroclaw and to create electronic catalog of them.
Benefits of that project are mutual to both participants. Due to newly created databases, research in history of Frankfurt University can gain new directions, and Wroclaw University Library will gain digital copies of its most precious old collections. Results of digitization will be available in full range and in proper form (CD-ROM, via internet) for scientific purposes to both participants of the project. Digitization of original books will allow their proper protection in the future.
First phase of the project was funded by Viadrina University Frankfurt from its own founds and by Polish-German Cooperation Foundation. First phase of project included:
- Finding in the storages of Old Prints Department of Wroclaw University Library books remained from Frankfurt University.
- Searching and scanning proper cards from front page catalog residing in the Wroclaw University Library.
- Electronic processing of printed catalog of European University Viadrina Frankfurt.
- Electronic processing of handwritten catalogs of individual items.
- Creating bibliographical data based on digitized front pages and connecting front pages with proper files in data bank.
In the storages of Old Prints Department of WUL circa 87 thousand volumes were looked through accordingly to Frankfurt's stamps and exlibrises. In the result 5.285 items in 4.094 volumes were identified. Front pages of selected prints were scanned.
Since January 2009 digital reconstruction of University Library of former Viadrina is available. Visual simulation allows user to move around Library building along virtual bookshelves. When digitization of old prints will be completed, their electronic versions will be integrated into the program.