Digital Repository of the National Library of Armenia DSpace

Overview

The Digital Repository of the National Library of Armenia (NLA) is an online platform built on DSpace software, providing open access to digitised and born-digital materials from the National Library of Armenia's collections. The NLA is the largest world repository of Armenian printed heritage and serves as the centre of the national bibliography. The digital repository represents the online access component of the library's large-scale digitisation programme initiated in 2012.

History of the National Library

The National Library of Armenia has its origins in 1832, when the library of the Male Gymnasium of Yerevan was founded. The institution was formally established as a national public book depository on 4 July 1919, by law during the council meeting of the ministers of Armenia. Since 1999, 4 July is celebrated as the Day of the National Library of Armenia. During the Soviet era (1925–1990), the library was named after the Armenian Bolshevik statesman Alexander Miasnikian. Today the library holds a collection of approximately 6.6 million books and is housed in a building of the distinctive Tamanyan architectural style.

Collections and Holdings

The digital repository provides access to Armenian rare books (1512–1800), early printed books (1901–1920), digitised maps, and periodicals. Among the library's greatest treasures are the first Armenian printed book, Urbatagirk (Venice, 1512); the first Armenian periodical, Azdarar (Madras, 1794–1796); and the first Armenian printed map, Hamatarats Ashkharatsuyts (Amsterdam, 1695). As of the latest reporting, over ten million pages of Armenian books and periodicals have been digitised. The maps collection includes more than 11,000 maps and atlases.

Notable Materials

The collection is a significant resource for research into Armenian print culture, diaspora publishing, and the history of the press. The library holds more than 600 periodical titles, most of which are unique copies, covering Armenian diaspora publications from the 18th century to the early 20th century. A Museum of Printing, opened within the NLA on 25 September 2017, showcases the history of Armenian book printing in six halls.

Access and Usage

The DSpace repository is accessible at dspace.nla.am. Selected materials are also available through partnerships, including the UCLA Armenian Digital Ephemera Collection (IDEP) and the British Library Endangered Archives Programme.