Unveiling the Medica ecosystem: an emblematic example of scientific heritage dissemination services

Speakers

Laurent Aucher and Olivier Ghuzel (Université Paris Cité)

Abstract

Medica is a digital library, or to be more precise, a package of services promoting heritage collections in the history of health, which has passed the venerable age of 20 years.

This longevity is based on a number of successes that deserve a brief presentation. It is also the result of obstacles that have not all been overcome. From the technical and functional complexity that has grown inexorably over time, to the long-term instability of institutions and policies, Medica’s long-term future faces a number of challenges.

A synoptic overview, followed by a closer look at projects that are emblematic of the development of this package of services (search interface for old dictionaries, dissemination of digitised documents on the web) will provide an opportunity to identify the pitfalls and achievements specific to this long-term undertaking.