Overview
When ancient and medieval books break apart, individual leaves and fragments can become scattered between libraries and collections around the world. Reconstructing these manuscripts requires researchers to identify fragments that once belonged together—a process that can involve comparing very large numbers of images by hand.
The platform will help scholars identify possible matches. The system will analyse manuscript images and rank fragments that appear likely to belong together, leaving researchers to assess and confirm the suggested matches. During the sprint, the team will apply the approach to the Cairo Genizah: around 350,000 medieval Hebrew and Judeo-Arabic manuscript fragments, approximately 60% of which are held at Cambridge University Library. The project will also develop a shared workspace in which researchers can organise, document and collaborate on reconstructed manuscripts.
Project leads:
Vincent Beiler, Cambridge University Library
John Dudley, Department of Engineering
