Vatican Library embraces blockchain to preserve manuscripts, engage donors

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As a researcher with a background in cultural heritage preservation and technology, I am thrilled to see the Vatican Library embracing blockchain technology through its “Vatican Library Web3 Support Project.” This collaboration between the ancient institution and NTT DATA Italia not only expands the library’s online community but also showcases innovative ways to engage supporters while safeguarding cultural heritage.

The Vatican Library collaborates with NTT DATA Italia, employing blockchain technology to safeguard its extensive archive of manuscripts.

Introduced on June 17, the “Vatican Library Web3 Initiative” is designed to broaden the library’s digital audience and foster connections with its backers by employing contemporary technology.

Together with the Vatican Library, we have expanded the “Vatican Library Web3 Support Project,” which was launched in Japan last February, throughout Italy.

Read the press release below. #NFT #VaticanLibrary #NTTDATA @vaticanlibrary

— NTT DATA Italia (@NTTDATA_IT) June 17, 2024

The Vatican Library, with approximately 180,000 manuscripts and over 1.5 million printed books under its care, is exploring the distribution of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to contributors and social media users. This innovative endeavor is presently restricted to Italian residents, having commenced as a trial phase in Japan back in February 2023.

Individuals who disseminated information about the NFT project on their social media platforms before July 16 were rewarded with a “Silver NFT.” This digital token permitted them entry to an exclusive collection showcasing high-definition visuals of fifteen ancient manuscripts.

Individuals who contribute financially to the project will be rewarded with a “Gold NFT,” granting them exclusive rights to download and view high-definition versions of the 21 manuscripts in our collection.

So far, 419 individuals have obtained Polygon Network NFTs, as evidenced by a proof-of-concept on OpenSea. This highlights the potential of blockchain technology in preserving cultural heritage through these unique, non-transferable digital assets. These NFTs are soulbound, meaning they remain forever associated with their rightful owners’ digital wallets.

Future applications

The Vatican Library, which is among the oldest and most valuable resources for historical texts, can be traced back to the 14th century. The Catholic Church has managed a library and archive continuously since the 300s.

The objective of this web3 initiative is to enhance the library’s goal of making ancient texts more readily available to the general public.

In the year 2020, the Vatican Library unveiled a fresh website boasting enhanced search capabilities and simpler navigation to digital replicas of various documents such as manuscripts, inventories, and archival items. The objective behind this project is to safeguard cultural legacies, with prospective developments possibly incorporating immersive extended reality (XR) applications, encompassing augmented or virtual reality experiences.

Since 2014, NTT DATA Italia has partnered with the Vatican Library, employing their advanced digital archive service AMLAD, featuring over 2 million assets, to safeguard historic records. The tech firm has allocated substantial resources, approximating billions of dollars, towards constructing a robust web3 infrastructure. Furthermore, they are planning to debut a crypto wallet in the upcoming months, underlining their dedication to embracing the digital era.

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2024-06-23 16:00