Iberian university libraries and documentary and historical heritage: Written word preservation policies and projects.

Abstract

The lack of visibility of rare books and manuscripts of University Libraries, which comprise rare patrimonial and historical collections, that at present remain remote from the institutional entailed interest, is one of the actual main concerns in the field, as it is apparent one needs to reflect upon their disclosure/diffusion and provide a safeguard for the memory of a written heritage. Information Technology has deeply changed the ways in which scientific research and its findings are made public. Thus, and in this context, it is expected from Portuguese and Spanish Universities to find out principles and establish conditions to ease the access to these collections, while celebrating and increasing their patrimonial value