Historic Jewish Periodicals/Newspapers and the Web

Publication Date: October 2003

Publisher: Association for Jewish Studies

Author(s): Heidi G. Lerner

Research Area: Culture and religion; Education

Keywords: Academic Research; Technology; Publications; Libraries

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Scholars in all areas of Jewish studies depend on historic periodicals and newspapers to conduct their research. We are all too familiar with the many difficulties in accessing and using these materials. While formats such as microfiche or microfilms solve the problem of deterioration, they do nothing to facilitate access, nor do they lend themselves to easy browsing or searching. Information technology offers solutions to many of these problems. Digitization and Web access can make these texts more widely available, less subject to deterioration from handling of the physical artifacts and more easily searched and browsed.