The project, which will be launched in 2006, is seen as yet another part of Microsoft’s ongoing struggle to close the gap on Google’s online innovation, and is estimated to be costing them around $2.5 million.
The digitized items, which will include books, maps and manuscripts will be available through the British library, as well as a Microsoft website that has yet to be established.
Lynne Brindley, chief executive of the British Library, said, This partnership helps us fulfil our vision of promoting ready access to our collection for everyone who wants to use it. This is great news for research and scholarship and will give unparalleled access to our vast collections to people all over the world: the items digitised will be available to anyone, anywhere and at any time.
