The ICCROM’s Heritage Education Library has launched an innovative online platform and is set to digitize its entire collection, making it accessible everywhere. The Heritage Education Library was created following the participation of the ICCROM Library in the EUROPE CHALLENGE, an annual programme that connects libraries and communities across Europe.
This ambitious expansion reinforces the Library's mission of connecting communities and celebrating cultural heritage through the power of literature.
The platform caters to a broad audience, including children, young adults, and their teachers. Teachers can utilize the resource for collective reading activities, leveraging high-resolution digital images of rare and valuable materials. This dual-purpose design ensures the platform’s utility for both educational and personal enrichment.
An Interactive and Engaging Experience
An interactive and engaging platform has been developed to make the collection accessible and enjoyable for young users. This platform offers a playful and educational experience, inviting users to embark on an exploratory journey where links to full-text resources are cleverly hidden. Registration is required to access the platform: adults must complete a registration form, after which the Library provides a username and password. These credentials enable users to virtually borrow books from the collection.
The Heritage Education Library project exemplifies how innovative, community-driven initiatives can bridge cultural divides and foster a love for reading and heritage among younger generations. With its growing collection, interactive platform, and forward-looking vision, it promises to be a beacon for cultural connection and education in the years to come.
A Spotlight on Global Cultural Heritage Studies
The Heritage Education Library project initially took center stage as an innovative initiative powered by the ICCROM Library’s participation in the EUROPE CHALLENGE. This annual program fosters connections between libraries and communities across Europe, emphasizing the role of libraries in enriching societal bonds.
The project’s impact was recently highlighted at the 5th Workshop for Cultural Heritage Studies for Children (0-18): Digital Practices, held on November 7-8, 2024 by VEKAM, in Ankara. During the event, the Heritage Education Library project was showcased as a leading example of how digital practices can engage younger audiences in cultural heritage.
A comprehensive paper detailing the project will be included in the workshop proceedings, cementing its significance in the field of cultural heritage studies.
