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Obiettivi del progetto Tweet

The History Digital Library was created with the goal of transforming the experience of historical and cultural knowledge into an immersive and interactive journey. The library aims to enhance the historical and cultural heritage of Brindisi and Puglia through the use of new technologies, creating an interdisciplinary learning environment that engages users both emotionally and cognitively. It experiments with new methods of historical dissemination using digital tools such as augmented reality, 3D mapping videos, storytelling and historical reenactments, making culture accessible to all, including children, families, tourists, scholars and people with disabilities, thanks to inclusive pathways and assistive technologies. The project also seeks to actively involve the local community in rediscovering and enhancing historical heritage through events, workshops and collaborations with schools, associations and cultural institutions.

Attività previste

The planned activities are structured into several phases. The first phase involves digitizing and publishing historical volumes, making them available online through the Società di Storia Patria per la Puglia. The project also includes immersive and interactive installations, with large-scale projections, ambient audio and interactions with multimedia characters. Another key initiative is the “Book Experience”, a series of workshops exploring the evolution of writing from prehistory to Gutenberg’s printing press.
To engage different audiences, the library offers activities for schools, families and tourists, including themed historical events and creative workshops with actors, set designers and communication experts. The use of advanced technologies plays a crucial role, incorporating augmented reality, interactive robots like “Pepper” to support the inclusion of autistic children, immersive videos and educational gaming. The project also focuses on training and engaging younger generations through collaborations with schools, universities and young professionals, helping them develop skills in digitalization and cultural dissemination. Additionally, it organizes historical reenactments, such as the medieval-themed setting at the Casa del Turista, where children and actors actively participate.

Origine del progetto

The History Digital Library was born within the Community Library – Biblioteche di Comunità initiative, part of the Smart In Strategy , promoted by the Puglia Region and funded by EU FESR 2014-2020. The idea was developed by the Municipality of Brindisi in collaboration with various partners, including our school, Liceo “Ettore Palumbo”, which contributed to school involvement, the Associazione “Vola Alto”, which focuses on social and cultural promotion, and the Brigata Amatori Storia e Arte ,which specializes in historical heritage promotion.
Public decisions regarding the project followed a structured process, beginning with a public call for funding and strategic planning. This was followed by co-design and consultation moments involving public institutions, schools, associations and cultural organizations. The process also included a digitalization and restoration phase, with a strong focus on public accessibility, rather than just preservation.

Soggetti Beneficiari

The project primarily targets different groups of people who will benefit in various ways. Citizens of Brindisi and Puglia will gain access to an enriched cultural heritage through new technologies, while students and schools will benefit from immersive workshops that enhance historical and humanities learning. Tourists will also find value in the library, as it represents an innovative cultural attraction on the Brindisi waterfront. Scholars and researchers will have access to digitized historical texts, while people with disabilities will be able to take advantage of inclusive pathways and assistive technologies.
The project is designed to be inclusive, though it acknowledges that some less technologically literate groups may face challenges in interacting with advanced digital tools.

Contesto

Brindisi is a city with a significant yet often undervalued historical and cultural heritage, and the project seeks to address several key local needs.It aims to develop cultural tourism through a modern and interactive offering, making historical heritage accessible and engaging for younger generations and people with specific needs. The initiative also seeks to promote collaboration between public institutions, schools and associations, creating a stable and sustainable cultural network that fosters long-term growth.
The project is part of the broader regional “Smart In” strategy, which focuses on regenerating and enhancing cultural heritage through innovative community spaces. As part of this initiative, the Puglia Region has launched 123 Community Libraries across the region, with a total investment of €120 million euros.

Avanzamento

The progress of the History Digital Library demonstrates how the project has successfully transformed the Casa del Turista into a cutting-edge cultural center. The inauguration on May 11 marked the beginning of an initiative that seamlessly blends history, technology, and community participation. The library is not yet operating at full capacity at the moment, but it will be as soon as all the final renovations from the last funding round are completed.

Risultati

The project has already achieved significant results, not only by restoring a historic building but also by equipping it with tools capable of offering an unprecedented cultural experience. Thanks to the digitization of books, the creation of experiential pathways, and the introduction of tools such as augmented reality and 3D video mapping, the library has become a place where history comes to life. The value of this space lies in its ability to engage a diverse audience, making culture accessible even to those who might traditionally be excluded. The introduction of the Pepper robot is a concrete example of the project's commitment to inclusivity and personalized content accessibility.

Rischi

Future risks to the project are mainly related to the management and maintenance of technological infrastructures and the ability to ensure a steady flow of users. Without a well-defined strategy, there is a risk that the initial enthusiasm may fade over time, compromising the viability of the project. The economic and administrative environment could also influence the future of the library, especially if no funds will be guaranteed for its development and evolution.

Metodo di indagine

Come sono state raccolte le informazioni?

• Raccolta di informazioni via web
• Visita diretta documentata da foto e video
• Intervista con gli utenti/beneficiari dell'intervento

The only person we formally interviewed was Ida de Giorgio, the manager of the History Digital Library, but we also talked to the photographer and to the person who's responsible for the technological part of the Casa del Turista, who gave us valuable information about the process of creating the various activities that the library provides.

Domande principali

How does your library differ from others in the area?
Have all architectural barriers that prevent access for people with disabilities been removed?

Risposte principali

“All libraries are increasingly focusing on technology and transforming themselves into cultural gathering places. However, we are ahead in this process because we have been able to secure funding that has made us more digitally autonomous.
Many of the messages you heard in the Book Experience were generated using artificial intelligence. Of course, we reviewed and refined them, ensuring historical accuracy and depth. We aimed to take full advantage of the new technological resources available to us.
Artificial intelligence, when properly managed, can be a powerful tool. However, as students, you should remember that it does not replace the fundamental knowledge and education you need to acquire. We were able to use AI for texts because we had the expertise to evaluate and verify its outputs.”
“Yes, absolutely. And I would like to add something else. Today, the concept of disability is not only linked to visible disabilities. It also includes all those conditions that may reduce anyone’s ability to access culture. Even a child, if we place a screen or an image too high, will have difficulty seeing it. Or, as you may have noticed downstairs, the way we communicate with an adult is different from how we communicate with a child. A person doesn’t necessarily have to have a severe motor disability, such as being in a wheelchair. Even someone with a broken foot should be able to access the library without any problems. So, of course, we have elevators and easy-to-navigate pathways, as well as seating areas for those who need to rest. We have also made extensive use of LIS (Italian Sign Language), and I repeat, we are always a work in progress because there is always room to add new accommodations that benefit everyone.”