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About Panjab Digital Library :: About PanjabDigiLib
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What is PDL's mission?
The mission of the Panjab Digital
Library (PDL) is to locate, digitize, preserve, collect and make
accessible the accumulated wisdom of the Panjab region, without
distinction as to script, language, religion, nationality, or other
physical condition.PDL is dedicated to:
- Addressing heritage loss due to environment, ignorance and
destruction
- Saving invaluable treasures to enrich the present and enlighten
the future
- Connecting people globally by providing continued free online
access
A Brief Note on Spelling: Panjab vs Punjab
The word Panjab is a compound of two Persian words panj (five) and ab (waters) Panjab literally mean "[the land of the] five waters [rivers"]. The five rivers are: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas.
Panjab is conventionally spelled as "Punjab." While there are two variants in spelling - and the latter admittedly far more common - we have chosen "Panjab" not "Punjab" to highlight its etymological Persian form. We are not alone in our preference for "Panjab." Take the name Panjab University as one of the best-known examples.
What comprises the invaluable heritage of Panjab?
Manuscripts, books, official records, newspapers, miniatures, murals,
periodicals, paintings, pictures, architecture etc are all are being
digitized at PDL.
What inspired the creation of PDL?
The rich heritage of Panjab was rapidly dwindling and degenerating due
to the destructive effects of time, age and human negligence. Many
rare manuscripts or invaluable pieces of history are destroyed during
wars, invasions, and natural disasters. The idea of digitizing texts
is the best possible solution to this loss of information.
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Why digitize?
Digital preservation is the future of museums, libraries, archives and other
repositories of valuable, rare historic information!
The benefits of digital storage include:
- Securing heritage for future generations
- Limitless life span of digitally preserved material
- Wide availability through internet and easily searchable
What has PDL already done?
PDL started digitization of historical texts in 2003. Millions of pages were
launched online at www.panjabdigilib.org on the 20 August 2009 for public use.
To date, PDL has digitized over Eight million pages from
different manuscripts, books, newspapers, magazines, photographs, etc
With support from hundreds of supporters and the Sikh Research Insitute we have served government departments, museums, universities, libraries and a number of personal collections.
How can I strengthen PDL?
- Volunteer: Provide your skill set and help us locate manuscripts
- Donate: Adopt a book for digitization, fund equipment acquisition, sponsor a
project
Acting on these goals, PDL is engaged in an ongoing program of digitization and hosts an ever-expanding online library. The standards-based collection is delivered through a technically proven and standardized framework and offers access to a range of materials in multiple formats for download or online browsing. Today the PDL collection contains of over 10,600 texts (around 26 million pages). Part of this is already online and the rest will be made available in coming months.
Launched in 2003, the PDL has worked successfully with a range of partners on a variety of external projects. More information about those projects can be found here.
With support from The Nanakshahi Trust and Sikh Research Institute we have served government departments, museums, universities, libraries and a number of personal collections. A large part of the funding for the project is being provided by individual donors. The PDL works closely with intellectuals, library colleagues and museum professionals to identify and deliver digital content which will support current research and encourage new investigations into Panjab.
The PDL is a founding contributing partner in the National Digitization Center project of Government Museum and Art Gallery Chandigarh. We are active members of the Manuscript Section of Institute of Comparative Theology, Chandigarh and a member of American Association of State and local history, USA.
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About this Launch |
The Beta version of PDL has been launched for an initial period of six months. After this time expires we will review its strengths, weaknesses, drawbacks, positive & negative effects and yes, threats. After this review, a decision as to the most productive future course for PDL will be made. If necessary, some changes will be made in its code and the way users are allowed to access, save and print digital files.
In this launch we have made available about 20% of our collection. More documents will be added periodically in the online collection while monitoring PDLs performance and speed issues.
Keep visiting to check new additions!
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