Teaching medieval manuscript studies was revolutionized in the 2000s with the start of digitisation of the medieval manuscripts. Since the launch of Parker Library On the Web in 2009, the Parker Library at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, together with Stanford University Libraries, have been at the front guard of this change. Parker Library On the Web contains the library’s collection of medieval and early modern manuscripts in full digital representation, all accessible free of charge.

Professor Theresa Webber teaches palaeography (the study of historical writing) at the University of Cambridge. While she makes use of the riches of manuscript libraries in Cambridge and brings students into contact with the physical manuscripts at the Parker Library, nevertheless, the digitised manuscripts provide invaluable access to the students. Parker Library On the Web revolutionised personal and immediate access to over 550 manuscripts with the ability to search, enlarge, change brightness and contrast, and manipulate the orientation of the page (since the 2017 update). Parker Library On the Web makes it also possible to compare digital copies from different institutions – provided that they too follow the IIIF (International Image Interoperability Framework) protocols.

As is natural in digital life-cycles the platform has gone through some changes over the years, with a major update of the site in 2017, and gradual improvements ever since. Nevertheless, the quality of the images online has remained consistent. We have thoroughly enjoyed our exceptional collaboration with the Stanford University Libraries for the past 15 years, and look forward to many more to come. 

Cheers!

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Parker Library On the Web

The post is a part of a series of posts and videos marking the 15th anniversary of Parker Library On the Web. Discover the earlier posts: 

Parker's Gift | The Parker Library | The Early Years | Ambition and Achievement | Opening up Access 

More to read:

About earlier phases of Parker Library On the Web
Hints and Tips on how to use the Manuscript Viewing Window