Digital library development in Italy and Spain

Abstract

This paper presents the background and current stage of development of digital libraries in Spain and Italy. First of all, it presents the European background of the policies and projects in the field of digital libraries and digitization, paying special attention to the MINERVA and MICHAEL projects, both of which focus on the integration of national cultural portal initiatives to promote access to European cultural heritage. Secondly, the paper describes the situation of Italian and Spanish libraries with respect to technological aspects and the most important Italian and Spanish experiences in areas such as catalogue integration, digitizing of special collections and types of documents (books, music, graphics, etc.) and the creation of special portals (for children, with academic publications, etc.). Finally, it draws some conclusions on the reasons for this situation and discusses future tendencies.