From a dispersed medieval collection to one international library: the virtual reconstruction of the monastic library of Lorsch

Abstract

The historically significant manuscript collection of the medieval Abbey Lorsch is today scattered over various institutions in different countries. Based on the last major research 309 manuscripts were identified in 73 libraries, archives and museums as part of the international digitization project Bibliotheca Laureshamensis - digital. By means of digital facsimiles all former Lorsch manuscripts were united in one virtual library, freely accessible in the internet, and enriched with detailed manuscript descriptions. The dispersed character of the library and the broad variety of holding institutions shaped the project profoundly. They not only had an impact on organisational matters as well as the digitization and cataloguing workflow but also coined the presentation and entire structure of the Virtual Monastic Library of Lorsch.