Significance of Digitization of the Cultural Heritage: In the Context of Museums, Archives, and Libraries

Introduction

Cultural heritage is a legacy inherited from the past generation and passed on tangible or intangible forms. These valuable heritage materials have been preserved in many places such as museums, archives, libraries, and other repositories which are accessible to the public for ages to come. The conservation and preservation of heritage materials can be done in two ways such as conventionally and digitally. Digitization is the process of converting conventional information into digital format with the aids of various software and hardware interventions. The digitization of heritage materials is crucial for preserving and conserving various materials housed in museums, archives, libraries, and other institutions to protect future generations. Nevertheless, in this modern digital era, we have cutting-edge technology to make our survival much easier. As a result of being in a severe worldwide lockdown due to the global Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the museum sector was among the most affected. Yet, digital technology offered countless opportunities via the internet to engage with the public and enable collaboration between the culture and education. This development can bring benefits like stimulating critical thinking in prominent institutions like museums, archives, and libraries and embrace their fundamental role as open, inclusive, and democratic way by incorporating technologies. With the help of information and telecommunication technology, one can communicate even though people are millions of miles away from each other. Digitization not only reduces people's difficulties accessing information but also saves valuable time. For instance, in the education sector, digital resources have made education easier, such as the internet, extranet, online teaching, and virtual libraries, particularly during the recent pandemic situation. However, still, some places where digital technologies are not being fully utilized. Therefore, digital literacy is sensitized and promoted not only among educated persons but also in the general public because its importance will increase day by day.