Samara University Digitizes Scientific Works from the "Pre-Digital Era"

Samara University places great emphasis on preserving and disseminating its scientific legacy, supporting academic traditions and research schools. A prime example of these efforts is the collaborative project between the library and the Department of German Philology, which focused on digitizing and publishing collections of scientific works from the "pre-digital era," originally published between 1976 and 1984.

Historical and Heuristic Value of the Materials

The project holds particular significance as it documents and verifies the initiatives, academic collaborations, and achievements of the Department of German Philology since its establishment, long before the creation of the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI). These works represent a critical period in scientific research from the 1970s, illustrating the trajectory of German studies in the USSR and the contributions of Samara scholars to the field. By digitizing these materials, the library and department have preserved and revitalized historical academic works, ensuring their accessibility for current and future generations.

The combined efforts of scholars and librarians highlight Samara University’s commitment to safeguarding and showcasing its cultural and scientific heritage.

Digitization Process and Repository

The digitization process involved not only scanning printed editions but also indexing articles with keywords in line with modern standards to enhance searchability. Each collection has been meticulously cataloged article-by-article, simplifying access to specific publications for researchers and students.

The University’s digital repository now hosts several digitized collections, including:

·         Theory and Methodology of Teaching Germanic Languages

·         Communicative-Functional Study of Language Phenomena

·         Linguistic Study of Spoken Language (Based on Germanic Languages)

·         Systematic Description of Linguistic Phenomena in Germanic Languages: Syntax and Semantics

·         Text Linguistics

These publications are now freely accessible to students, faculty, and researchers worldwide, fostering academic transparency and showcasing the breadth of research conducted by the university’s German studies scholars.

Digitizing and archiving these materials in Samara University’s repository strengthens research capabilities and fuels interest in German philology, including linguistics, cultural studies, and literary criticism, both in Russia and internationally. This initiative underscores the university’s role in advancing global academic dialogue and preserving intellectual heritage for future exploration.