The British Library unveiled a computer-based system April 21 that allows visitors to look through digitized manuscripts by dragging their fingers across a screen in simulated page-turning. Viewers can also magnify images, read on-screen text, listen to audio commentary, and virtually unroll scrolls on the screen—before viewing the real things in the library's new exhibition galleries.
Created by an in-house team of software developers, the interactive device was unveiled at the opening of the library's three galleries in the new St. Pancras facility. Library spokeswoman Jane Carr said the library wants to show at least two new electronic manuscripts every year and is considering selling the software. "With the current technology and digital photography, I think we could develop software for a 20–25-page manuscript for about $25,000," she said in an April 22 Reuters report.
Posted April 27, 1998.