Faith and Place: Digital Collaboration between the National Central Library and Beigang Chaotian Temple

Abstract

The collaboration between the National Central Library and the Beigang Chaotian Temple focuses on integrating cultural resources and digitizing Taiwan's religious and historical heritage. The project aims to digitize and preserve the temple’s valuable historical documents, artifacts, and records, utilizing the library’s advanced digital resources and technology for long-term preservation and sharing.

Beigang Chaotian Temple, one of Taiwan's oldest and most famous Mazu temples, holds centuries of history. Its religious texts, ceremonial documents, and cultural artifacts carry deep cultural and historical value. However, these materials are at risk of damage, loss, and degradation over time. Digitization provides an effective means of safeguarding these resources. By leveraging the National Central Library's expertise in digital preservation, the materials are safely stored and made accessible for future generations.

This cross-disciplinary collaboration not only strengthens the partnership between the two institutions but also sets a valuable precedent for future digital archiving and promotion efforts. This poster will introduce the project's origin, execution, and future dissemination plans, while exploring the potential of digital archives in libraries.