September 7, 2010. Researchers will soon be confronted with a somewhat different Vatican Library after three years of renovations.
As of September 20, the library will have more security measures, new computer systems to search for books and two modern lifts.
Bishop Cesare Pasini
Director, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana
"We are proud that the student entering the library to say, 'Yes, you closed, I remember how you were before, and now you’re not only more beautiful but more comfortable'."
The main objective of the renovation work has been to improve security. From now each book is identified with an electronic chip so that at all times the library knows who has it and where it is located.
There are also security arches at the entrances which are activated if a person tries to leave the room with a book that shouldn’t be removed, in order to prevent it being lost or stolen. With this new system they want to better preserve 1.6 million volumes and 150,000 manuscripts in the library, and keep the most precious from disappearing.
Bishop Cesare Pasini
Director, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana
"The most precious are the" Codice Vaticano"of the Bible, there are two works of Virgil, the Roman Virgil and the Vatican Virgil, so named to distinguish them. There is also the Divine Comedy with illustrations of Boccaccio. "
Search for books has also been computerized, so that you can know at any time if a volume is available.
In order to study in this library, one has to be an expert in specialized publications, a teacher or university student doing a PhD.
While they wait for the arrival of the first scholars, the Vatican Library is looking to the future. The next goal is to digitize documents, a work expected to be realized in ten years.
They have also organized several activities to raise awareness of the Library. In November a conference will be held to review the last 60 years of its history and there will be an exhibition.
With the re-opening of this library of ancient works, certain students will no doubt be grateful they can now continue their research.
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