Rare Materials Archive published online (7 September 2017)

On 7 September 2017, Kyoto University Library Network (KULN) published its Rare Materials Digital Archive on a trial basis as follows:

• Kyoto University Rare Materials Digital Archive: https://rmda.kulib.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en

The Archive is designed to deliver a smooth viewing experience in compliance with the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF), which aims to improve accessibility and interoperability of image-based resources across the world. KULN plans to gradually transfer its other published materials to the Archive. It will also explore and implement ways to take better advantage of IIIF functionality to enhance the viewer experience and promote the use of digital images.

As of September 2017, the Archive includes 140,000 images of 1,500 titles, such as: Konjaku Monogatarishu (Suzuka version), a National Treasure; Important Cultural Properties, including 40 items owned by Kyoto University Library, and a number of others that belong to the Graduate School of Engineering; the Meiji Restoration Collection, comprised of historical records documenting the turbulent days from the end of the Tokugawa shogunate through the beginning of the Meiji period; medical books from the Fujikawa Collection; Nara ehon , ancient picture books with exquisitely colored illustrations; old maps of various locations in Japan and other countries; and other well-known materials often cited in school textbooks.

Anyone interested is invited to have a close look at these and other rare materials -- usually inaccessible for preservation reasons -- on a computer screen