Information Retrieval System of Bulgarian Revival Books in the Service of Libraries

Abstract

The article presents the methodology and the results of the project “Digitalization of the repertoire of books from the Bulgarian Revival (1801-1878)” funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund and coordinated by the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies. During Bulgaria's national Revival in the 19th century, printed books were published in Bulgarian language for the first time since the beginning of the occupation by the Ottoman Empire. As printing presses were forbidden in the Bulgarian speaking areas at that time, the books were printed in a huge geographical area: from Moscow to New York. With the implementation of the project the books of this period are compiled in one comprehensive online bibliography for the first time. The new information retrieval system applies innovative methodology of Geographic Information Systems which visualizes bibliographic information and allows its utilization by means of topographic indexes. The entries are also linked with the existing digitized full-texts of Bulgarian libraries and museums. The project’s final product (http://books.unibit.bg/) will stimulate the interest of international humanitarian scientists on Bulgarian history, culture, and literature and will significantly improve the conditions for the preparation and conduct of research in the field of the Bulgarian Revival literature, literary and cultural history. At the same time, the information retrieval system will assist librarians in their daily work. With the project “Digitalization of the repertoire of books from the Bulgarian Revival (1801-1878)” a solid ground was built for future collaborations in this very special field, the digitization of rare printed books, which requires a high level of specialized knowledge and skills.