The Department of Archeology is working with Servants of Knowledge to digitize heritage collections

The project aims to preserve historical materials and make knowledge accessible to citizens, researchers and students across India and the world. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Government of Karnataka and Anubhava Mantapa Servants of Knowledge Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to digitize the department’s library in Mysuru.

Under the agreement, Servants of Knowledge (SoK) will embark on the digitization of approximately 18,000 rare books and 1,000 archival publications stored in the library.

The project aims to preserve historical materials and make knowledge accessible to citizens, researchers and students across India and the world.

“Our mission is to build a local digital public library and this collaboration enables us to bring thousands of rare volumes into the digital age and ensure that Karnataka’s rich history is preserved for future generations,” said Omshivaprakash HL, CEO, Servants of Knowledge.

Servants of Knowledge will provide the equipment, staff and expertise needed to scan and digitize selected library holdings and ensure adherence to archival standards. The digitized materials will be made available through digital archives that will provide wide public access with appropriate allocation to the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage and the Government of Karnataka.

“The project ensures the safe handling of all original materials, preserving their integrity while expanding their use for modern educational and research needs,” Servants of Knowledge said in a statement.

The initiative will be held on the premises of the Karnataka Exhibition Center in Mysuru. The MoU is valid for an initial period of one year.

A non-profit organization working to create free, universal access to public data and historical knowledge, Servants of Knowledge also recently collaborated with the Karnataka Sahitya Academy to digitize Panchama, the pioneering Kannada periodical of the Dalit movement in the state.

Published – 18 Jul 2026 22:49 IST