Background

EODOPEN is a pan European initiative coordinated by the University of Innsbruck with around 15 partner institutions. Its aim is to digitise 20th and 21st century literary works, many of which risk being lost or remain inaccessible, and make them available to a broader public, including visually impaired readers and younger audiences. The project addresses the need for accessible digital heritage, especially for texts difficult to obtain in physical form.

Project Concept

The project digitises literary works, clears copyright issues, and produces accessible formats (e.g. EPUB, tagged PDF, formats usable with assistive technologies). It offers a Rights Clearance Documentation Tool (RCDT) to manage copyright status, trains library staff in rights and accessibility, and publishes digital versions online to reach a pan European audience.

Interactive Features

• Online rights clearance tool to simplify licensing for libraries
• Accessible digital content formats (EPUB, screen reader–friendly PDFs, metadata for assistive technologies)
• Educational/training materials for staff on digitisation, copyright, and accessibility
• Open access digital repository where works are made available to public, researchers, and people with disabilities. 

Cultural Impact

EODOPEN significantly increases access to modern and contemporary literature across Europe, including works that otherwise risk being forgotten or remain out-of-print. It supports inclusion by enabling access for visually impaired users and fosters equal opportunities for cultural participation. The project also strengthens the digital capacity of libraries and cultural heritage institutions, promoting open access and sharing of cultural assets.

Relevance for Small Cultural Organisations

• EODOPEN’s tools, workflows and accessibility standards can be adopted even by small heritage institutions with limited resources
• The project model reduces technical and legal barriers (rights clearance, digitisation, accessibility), making digitisation feasible for small operators
• It supports capacity building: small institutions can learn how to digitise, manage metadata, provide accessible formats and engage broader audiences, without needing a large staff or big budget
• By offering open-access digital materials, small organisations can expand their reach beyond local boundaries, increase visibility, and contribute to European cultural heritage sharing