On October 31, 2023, the "Digitization of Documentary Heritage" laboratory (Digital Center) was opened in the building of the St. Kliment Ohridski University Library (15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia). It was built and put into operation under project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001 "Construction and Development of a Center for Excellence in the Field of Information and Communication Technologies for the Preservation of Documentary Heritage." It was built and put into operation under project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001 "Establishment and Development of a Center for Excellence "Heritage BG," funded under the Operational Program "Science and Education for Smart Growth" 2014-2020, Priority Axis 1 "Scientific Research and Technological Development," co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The event was attended by representatives of the National Library "St. St. Cyril and Methodius", the Central Library of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, the Cyril and Methodius Scientific Center - BAS, the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski", and others.
During the event, a demonstration was given on how to use the equipment supplied, for which purpose parts of valuable books stored in the library were scanned: "Description of the Danube River" by Count Luigi Marsili and "Slavic and Eastern Ornaments in Manuscripts of Ancient and Modern Times" by Vladimir Stasov.
The head of project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001, Prof. Ivan Ilchev, greeted those present and wished the specialists from the University Library success in using the new equipment.
The director of the library, Prof. Anna Angelova, noted that October 29, 2023, marked the 135th anniversary of the library's founding, which today is a cornerstone of the Alma Mater.
The lead coordinator of project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001, Prof. Olia Harizanova, emphasized that the laboratory is a valuable asset for Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," especially on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of the university library. The largest scientific library in Bulgaria now has the opportunity to use modern and reliable technology for digitizing its unique library collection, as well as to offer digitization as a service. The largest scientific library in Bulgaria now has the opportunity to use modern and reliable technology to digitize its unique library collection, as well as to offer digitization as a service to other organizations. She expressed her gratitude to Kontrax AD as the contractor for the public procurement contract under which the equipment was delivered. She was particularly grateful for the support and assistance provided during the execution of the contract, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. Harizanova wished everyone success in their efforts to provide high-quality digital content and encouraged representatives of other libraries to partner in this endeavor.
