Nabilah S
The Michael Somare Library at the University of Papua New Guinea will now offer online document archiving services
A Grant Contract Signing Ceremony was held yesterday between the university and the Embassy of Japan as part of the Library’s digitalization project. The ceremony marked the official agreement to implement the Bookeye (5 V2) 3D Image Scanner Machine.
The scanner, sponsored by the Japanese government, is on its way to our country. This state-of-the-art device is designed to digitize and archive all documents seamlessly online.
UPNG Vice Chancellor, Professor Frank Griffin, highlighted that the project stemmed from a proposal by former students who recognized the necessity for a digitalized archiving system for library documents
“They presented us with the challenge of raising the funds, leading to a successful fundraising drive last year. Despite our efforts, we were unable to meet the target amount for the machine. Consequently, we sought assistance from our partners and were grateful to have the Japanese government join forces to support our cause,” he explained.
Griffin emphasized the invaluable collection of historical documents housed in the library archive, which extends beyond university records to include materials from prominent figures spanning decades.
“With the introduction of this cutting-edge technology, crucial documents in the library will be securely preserved,” he confidently stated.
One key feature of this technology is its ability to facilitate convenient access to information by simply logging into the library’s online system.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the new system will streamline the research process, eliminating the need for manual book searches.
Professor Griffin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people and government of Japan for their invaluable support towards their educational endeavors.
Japan’s Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Nobuyuki Watanabe emphasized the crucial role of libraries in preserving vital information, such as a nation’s history. He highlighted the significance of libraries as essential institutions in every country.
UPNG Collection Librarian, Karen Karo, emphasized that the implementation of new technology would facilitate the digitization of cultural, historical, and academic documents to ensure their preservation and accessibility for future generations.
