INTO THE FUTURE: Andrew Gee and Jan Richards are excited about the digitisation of regional newspapers. Photo: Don Mahoney
REGIONAL newspaper coverage of historical events surrounding World War I will soon be available at the click of a mouse.
Orange City Library has received a grant of almost $95,000 to transfer microfiche copies of regional newspapers from 1914 to 1920 to the internet.
The process will allow people to search historical events by keywords, publications, cities and dates.
The funding was announced by the state government last year under the 2011/12 Country Libraries Fund Grants program.
Central West Libraries manager Jan Richards said the digitisation process would start with the period surrounding World War I in line with the centenary.
“It will enable people much greater access to historical events surrounding that period,” she said.
“People will be able to look up relatives and important events while they are sitting at home, which is something they have never been able to do.”
Mrs Richards said the project would eventually expand to encompass all years previous to 1954. Articles published after 1954 will have to wait until copyright is lifted.
“Old articles will be available through the National Library of Australia website,” she said.
Member for Orange Andrew Gee said the grant would allow more people to access the arts at Orange City Library.
“I trust this funding will enable Orange City Library to continue to develop high quality services for the community,” he said.
“I congratulate Orange City Council in receiving this important funding support for the library.”
nicole.kuter@ruralpress.com