Council on Library Resources
Commission on Preservation and Access
Digital Collections Inventory Report
Preliminary Results
By Patricia A. McClungFebruary 1996
Archivo General de Indias, Seville, Spain
Inspired by the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America, this project makes available the most comprehensive collection on the discovery, exploration, and administration of the Americas by the Spaniards. 10 million items (including 8000 pictorial images) are being captured in digital form in a joint project of the Archivo, the Ramon Areces Foundation, and IBM Spain, using pioneering technology. The project is among the most ambitious anywhere, and has been frequently cited as a model for cooperation among archivists and technical experts. “It is uncertain at this time whether or when international access over the Internet will be made available.” Distribution via CD-ROM is another option being considered.9
Contact: Pedro Gonzalez Garcia, Dir. of Archives: tel: +3454225158 and fax: +345421 9485
Margarita Vazquez de Parga, Dir. Spain’s Archives at Ministry of Culture in Madrid; fax: +34/1/531.92.12
