Small Books, Small Screens. The digitization of ancient small-format manuscripts, from the shelf to mobile devices

Abstract

The world of the book has undergone numerous changes over the centuries, according to the evolving needs of growing audiences. From the first graffiti and engraved tablets to clay tablets; from early handwritten papyri and parchment rolls, this revolution has continued its course through the transition to the codex. All of these formats have allowed writing and reading to evolve together and, in parallel, humankind to progress in culture, up to the recognition of the book with characteristics that we know well: at first, the handwritten parchment book; then, the assertion of the paper book, also handwritten; and finally, the appearance of the printed book. And now? In our web-based era, this digital approach includes the book too and its characteristics relating to the page construction and layout: nowadays collections of digitized ancient books are available via modern digital libraries, also at our fingertips through the use of mobile devices equipped with small screens, keeping the evolutionary process of books alive.