Let’s Open Up Hidden Knowledge!

Abstract

The EODOPEN project began in 2019 to promote European 20th and 21st-century digital collections to the public. It involves community engagement in selection, digitization, and dissemination, as well as training library staff on rights clearance. The project also explores alternative formats for wider accessibility, including mobile and visually impaired users. EODOPEN has multiple objectives, including stimulating interest in and enhancing access to textual materials, such as grey and scientific literature. Furthermore, 15 European libraries from 11 nations establish contacts with commemorative institutions all over Europe as well as with researchers and doctoral study boards, history associations and local publishing houses to ask broad audiences for their suggestions. In collaboration with local institutions, all project partners select hidden library treasures, deal with rights clearance questions and put new content online. In addition, EODOPEN aims to provide alternative delivery formats, especially adequate for blind or visually impaired users. This poster will focus on the different approaches taken so far to involve the community in the selection, digitisation and dissemination processes of the material, to clear rights and fully respect the current copyright regime. Expected and achieved outcomes will be presented to all interested people.