Digital Service at the University Library: Portal of Old Cartographic Materials

Abstract

Since its founding, the University Library “Svetozar Marković” has been diligently building and enriching its collection of cartographic materials, acquired primarily through purchase, but also through donations. Owing to their value and significance, the collection is preserved under special conditions in the Old and Rare Books Department and comprises several hundred charts spanning the period from the 16th to the 21st century. The Library has carried out three cartographic digitization projects (2023–2025), financially supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, resulting in the Portal of Old Cartographic Materials. This paper discusses the digitized cartographic materials selected for the projects, the structure and significance of the Portal, as well as its role in enhancing the user experience. Digitization enables the presentation of this type of library material for the purpose of promoting the Library’s collections, provides access to old and damaged materials preserved under special conditions, and facilitates further collaboration on joint projects with other cultural and scientific institutions.