Digitalization processes in Latvia

Since 2000 the National Library of Latvia has implemented several serious projects, thus forming a digital library, which ensures a long-term preservation and wide accessibility to the unique Latvia culture heritage: national bibliography, periodicals, maps, posters, ancient photographs and sound recordings. National Library of Latvia is at the very outset of the process. There are ten thousands of newspapers, manuscript sheets, thousand pages of books, photographs, small prints, sheet music, hundreds of sound recordings, maps, posters and other publications to be converted into electronic format not only for saving the original, but also for finding it at every working station with an Internet connection. The beginning doesn’t imply only an amount. Data processing is of great importance to ensure access to the Digital Library and make the search extensive and convenient. Specialists of national library are ready to start the preservation program (digital heritage) of national electronic publications. However all these activities ask of new investments and manpower. It is expected that the Digital Library and its accessibility will steadily develop from year to year.