In the bigynnyng: the Manchester Middle English Digital Library
See the collection
The Rylands medieval English manuscripts are of paramount importance in a variety of key subject areas, and there is an identified need among the academic community for improved access for taught courses and research. The shift in teaching and learning patterns to enquiry-based and e-learning has resulted in an increase in the demand for electronic versions of original sources.
This project aims to digitise all 41 medieval English manuscripts, a total of approx 12,000 images. Images and metadata will be accessible via a dedicated project website, using Luna’s image management system. This is a stand-alone project, but it will also act as a pilot for a more ambitious Manchester Medieval Digital Library, Incipit, which will contain manuscripts in other languages and incunabula. The project is closely aligned with the Library’s strategic goals and with the wider strategic development of the University of Manchester.
Lead site: The John Rylands University Library, The University of Manchester
Download the Project Plan (pdf)
Download the Final Report (pdf)