Page 103 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library Automation

Notes 2. Manuscripts Written on Birch Bark: The large and magnificent manuscripts written
on birch bark are hardly available anywhere except Kashmir.

3. Illustrated Volumes of Bhagwad Gita: The beautiful handwritten and illustrated
manuscripts leave an unforgettable image of the scripture for any scholar. They are
a beautiful combination of gold and handmade colours.

Presently, manuscripts reside in glass-doored steel almirahs. Unbound manuscripts are
kept between handmade acid-free hard boards and wrapped in red cotton cloth (red is
thought to be an insect repellent). The section is air-conditioned to maintain proper
temperature and humidity. Within the section, a fire protection system has been installed.
Manuscripts have been arranged according to language and script.
Relationship between BHU and NMM
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is recognized as a study centre for Indian
philosophy and culture. Most of the manuscripts available at BHU have been in continuous
demand by indigenous as well as foreign scholars. Most manuscripts in the collection are
brittle and regular use of collection would have caused the condition of the manuscripts to
deteriorate even more. The university was put in the position of deciding between the
ethics of providing assistance to researchers and the responsibility of preserving its rich
heritage. A more organized approach was required for the wider use of manuscripts
without damage. Eventually, the university decided to become a part of the NMM. The
Mission also showed a keen interest, because they were looking for a strong base in the
Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, a state of Indian Republic, which could comply and contribute
towards achieving NMM objectives. Thus, on the 6th of February 2006, the first
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Central Library, BHU, and
National Mission for Manuscripts, Ministry of culture, Government of India, which
recognized Central Library, BHU as a Manuscript Partner Centre (MPC) of NMM.
As MPC, BHU was vested with the responsibility of documenting its collection of
manuscripts and sharing its database to enrich the database of NMM. Further, on 23rd
November 2006, Central Library, BHU was recognized as Manuscript Conservation Centre
(MCC) by NMM. Key features of the scope area defined for Central Library, BHU as MCC
by NMM are: Preservation and curative conservation of manuscripts in selected districts
of eastern UP, i.e., Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Chandauli, Azamgarh, Sultanpur, and Varanasi.
Training for development of specialized manpower in handling of manuscripts. The
training had emphasis on indigenous as well as on advanced technologies for the
conservation and preservation of manuscripts. A general emphasis was also given to
pursuing other efforts which fall under the purview of the mission statement.
Under the project “Commissioning Tasks Pertaining to Preservation and Conservation of
Manuscripts by MCC for NMM”, BHU initiated the task of digitizing its manuscript
collection. The digitization was carried out in two phases under the Xth five-year plan of
the library. Virtually all manuscripts of Central Library, BHU have been digitized.
Phase I
Nearly 500 manuscripts were digitized in the first phase. The project was carried out as a
pilot project and its successful completion and implementation laid the foundation for the
next phase.
Phase II

More than 7,000 manuscripts have been digitized in the second phase. These manuscripts
were digitized per the standards and norms set by NMM. The library now has two kind of
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