91647 - Digital Library

Learning outcomes

The course introduces the problems of creating, organizing, and accessing digital libraries. At the end of the course the student knows: the workflow of the digital library and its differences with the traditional library; the models and theories of the digital library; the issues of copyright and privacy; the new models of scientific communication. The student can identify user needs; create and manage a digital collection; understand the functioning of search engines and information architecture; evaluate and choose the different ways of preserving documents.

Course contents

The course provides the theoretical knowledge and methodological tools needed to understand, analyse and design digital libraries. Beginning with a historical and conceptual overview, the course proceeds by examining the main reference models, standards and practices for managing digital resources, culminating in a practical workshop where students gain hands-on experience in building a digital collection.

The course takes a critical approach to issues relating to the organisation, description, access and promotion of documentary heritage in a digital environment, with a focus on technical, cultural, ethical and institutional aspects alike.

By the end of the course, students will have gained an understanding of the historical and theoretical evolution of the concept of the digital library, the main functional models, and the relevant national and international standards, such as Dublin Core, MARC21 and IIIF. They will also be able to understand the regulatory and institutional framework within which the digitisation and preservation of cultural heritage take place, with particular attention to national and European policies.

Students will develop the ability to apply the knowledge acquired through the critical analysis of digital library models and services, including through the examination of case studies. They will acquire skills in the design and creation of digital collections using the Omeka.net platform, as well as in the use of metadata schemas for the description of digital resources.

The course will also foster the development of independent judgement, enabling students to critically evaluate standards, tools and organisational models, and to reflect on the ethical implications associated with digitisation processes, with particular regard to issues relating to copyright, accessibility and sustainability.

Readings/Bibliography

Maria Teresa Biagetti, Le biblioteche digitali. Tipologie, funzionalità e modelli di sviluppo. Milano, Franco Angeli, 2019, only part I
MiC – Ministero della Cultura (2022). Piano Nazionale di Digitalizzazione del patrimonio culturale. https://digitallibrary.cultura.gov.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PND_V1_1_2023-1.pdf

Further teaching materials will be made available on the Virtual platform.

Suggested reading

Fabio Cusimano, Interoperabilità e fruizione delle risorse digitali. Milano, Editrice Bibliografica, 2026

Non-attending students will add to the above-mentioned text:

Anna Maria Tammaro - Alberto Salarelli, La biblioteca digitale. Milano, Editrice Bibliografica, 2006.


Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching methods

Lectures, supported by in-depth discussions with experts; classroom exercises with teacher support.

Assessment methods

Oral exam, beginning with a subject choosen by the student. The exercise carried out during the course will be taken into account for evaluation purposes.

It will be evaluated very positive the student's ability to demonstrate the acquired knowledge in a personal and critical way, using an appropriate language.

The final assessment will be based on the following indications:

• Inadequate: gaps in knowledge, inability to link topics, imprecise language

• Satisfactory (18–21): basic knowledge present, presentation largely correct but not independent

• Good (22–26): solid knowledge, correct and reasonably independent presentation

• Distinguished (27–29): well-structured knowledge, independent presentation with good critical thinking skills

• Excellent (30–30L): high level of mastery, ability to synthesise and exercise critical judgement, appropriate and precise language

With regard to examination, limited, declared and non-substantial use of AI is permitted for support activities (summarising, rephrasing). Substantial use of AI to complete parts of the examination is not permitted.

 

Teaching tools

Materials used during the lectures, further reading and links to resources available online will be available on the Virtuale Platform

Office hours

See the website of Lucia Sardo