Preserving the past in a digital age: Manuscript digitization at the Widya Pustaka Library of Pura Pakualaman, Yogyakarta

Abstract

Purpose. This study examines the implementation and challenges of manuscript digitization at the Widya Pustaka Pura Pakualaman Library, Yogyakarta.

Methods. This qualitative descriptive study examines the digitization of ancient manuscripts at the Widya Pustaka Pura Pakualaman Library in Yogyakarta. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six purposively selected informants, observation, and documentation between February and April 2025. Validity was ensured through triangulation and member checks, while analysis followed the Miles and Huberman (1984) model.

Findings. The study's findings show that the Widya Pustaka Library carries out digitization in three main stages: pre-digitization, digitization, and post-digitization. In its implementation, challenges were encountered, particularly in the pre-digitization stage (lack of a dedicated studio, no written guidelines on the equipment used, and no standardization of metadata file naming), the digitization stage (no written SOPs or technical guidelines, damaged or tightly bound manuscripts, lighting, manual editing process), the post-digitization stage (digitization results not yet available online), and other challenges such as limited funding.

Implications. Digitization is an effective strategy for preserving ancient manuscripts at the Widya Pustaka Library because it maintains the authenticity of the content while increasing access without physically handling the fragile manuscripts. Despite several technical challenges, the digitization process remains a crucial step in preservation efforts and can serve as a reference for other institutions with similar collections.