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The Vatican Library has launched an innovative project called the “Vatican Library Web3 Support Project” to preserve its vast collection of manuscripts by leveraging blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Here are the key details about this initiative:
Rewarding Supporters with NFTs
The project aims to expand the online community of the Vatican Apostolic Library by connecting with supporters through Web3 technology. As part of this initiative, the library is rewarding Italian supporters with two types of NFTs:
- Silver NFT: Italians who share the project on social media until July 16, 2024, will receive a Silver NFT. This NFT grants access to high-resolution images of 15 manuscripts from the library’s collection.
- Gold NFT: Those who make financial donations to the library will receive a Gold NFT, providing access to high-resolution images of 21 manuscripts from the special collection.
These NFTs are described as non-transferable and “soulbound,” meaning they are permanently linked to the recipient’s wallet and cannot be traded or sold.
Collaboration with NTT DATA Italia
Father Mauro Mantovani, the prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library, emphasized the project’s alignment with the library’s mission to foster research and scientific development, making its unique collections accessible to the public. He highlighted NTT DATA’s contributions in helping the Vatican Library connect with previously untapped communities and collaborate with global partners.
The Vatican Library has partnered with NTT DATA Italia, a Japanese multinational IT services provider, to leverage Web3 technology and build a stronger online community around the library’s collections. NTT DATA has been instrumental in digitizing and preserving the library’s assets through its Advanced Museum Library Archives Deposit (AMLAD) solution since 2014. The company’s dedicated archive includes more than 2 million assets.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
The Vatican Library, established in the 14th century, boasts an extensive collection of over 180,000 manuscripts, 1.5 million printed books, 200,000 photographs, 150,000 prints, and 300,000 coins and medals. The library’s building, located in Vatican City, dates back to the late 16th century.This project aims to make these priceless cultural heritage items more accessible to the public while fostering research and scientific development.
Ludovico Diaz, CEO of NTT DATA Italia, mentioned that their goal is to make the Vatican Library’s cultural heritage accessible globally. He said, “We will continue this important work of conservation and dissemination of cultural heritage, aiming to connect institutions that own valuable digital content with users from all over the world”
Future Possibilities
Looking ahead, the Vatican Library has hinted at the possibility of introducing immersive experiences, allowing users to explore its historic assets through extended reality (XR) technology, such as virtual or augmented reality. It’s evident that to preserve and share its cultural heritage, the library is fully committed to embrace technological advancements.
By integrating NFTs and blockchain technology, the Vatican Library is not only preserving its historical treasures but also engaging a modern, tech-savvy audience. This project exemplifies how traditional institutions can adapt to contemporary digital trends to expand their reach and impact, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of priceless cultural heritage for generations to come.
