Press release #2 DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY ON-LINE

Return to Contents Dalhousie University first Canadian University to distribute Arctic Discovery CD-Books On-line (Halifax, NS)--Dalhousie University is the first university in Canada to distribute Arctic Discovery CD-Books on-line. Produced by Dartmouth, NS-based, CD-Academia Book Company, these Canadian heritage texts are now accessible from every terminal on campus. The electronic books can be used to enrich educational programs. They enable Dalhousie University students to have primary documents over 150 years old at their finger tips. CD-Academia Book Company publishes facsimile of first editions of journals of exploration in the far north as electronic books. The titles in the Arctic Discovery Series include John Franklin's two overland expeditions (first editions published in London in 1825 and 1828), as well as George Back's Narrative of the Arctic Land Expedition (1836) and Narrative of an Expedition in H.M.S.Terror (1838). The books are important historical documents as well as exciting stories of exploration, sacrifice and survival in the harsh and unfamiliar environment. Holly Melanson, Assistant University Librarian, Collection & Development, Dalhousie University Libraries says that the Arctic Discovery Narratives on CD-ROM comprehensively document the most significant early voyages and explorations of the Arctic. "The CD-ROM format creates exciting opportunities for teaching and research in a wide variety of subjects and disciplines," she continues. Bosko D. Loncarevic, of CD-Academia Books says Dalhousie has acquired these unique Canadian products because of their design features. "Our approach is to maximize the readability of CD-books. We reproduce every page twice, once as an image for authenticity, and once as computer readable text that is easier on the eyes. We also use a special navigational interface and optimize the file size to speed-up the process of loading," Other attractive design features include a full index and clearly reproduced illustrations and maps. CD-ROMs, which are easily duplicated, stored, shipped and replaced at a reasonable cost, represent an ideal storage medium for archival material. This material is easily accessible through the universal availability of CD readers on desktop computers "Science Books and Films Reviews Journal" published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) recently listed Arctic Discovery Vol. 1 among 19 titles in their selection of "The Best Software 1999". A complementary website at www.cd-books.com is available as a resource center for information on the exploration of the Arctic. It is also useful for educators who may need to acquire one copy of the CD to set the assignments, while students have access to free material over the Internet to help them with their tasks. Robert McGhee, Curator of Arctic Archaeology, Canadian Museum of Civilization reviewed CD-ROM books for Cartographica Journal. He found their format for students of northern history a splendid improvement over what is currently available because of the availability, convenience, and usefulness of the documents. When viewing the original maps and illustrations of early Arctic exploration readers can examine the maps in detail without a magnifying glass and electronically enlarge them to any useful scale. This gives a whole new meaning to the study of nineteenth century maps or illustrations. "I am extremely impressed by the effectiveness and ease of use of this product," says McGhee. "CD-Academia should be congratulated for having produced such a fine contribution to scholarship at such an affordable price, and should be encouraged to make more exploration journals available in this extremely useful format." Anne Morton, Archivist for Hudson Bay Archives at the Public Archives of Manitoba reviewed the product for Northern Mariner Journal, and says that "the CD-ROM format of Franklin's classic narratives provide librarians with a tool that spares the original editions from active use as much as possible. They are also an alternative to reprints for those who do not have access to the original editions. But they are more than a reprint and more than an original edition. The CD-ROM format is the modern equivalent of the original book format, making the experience for readers now as in Franklin's time, fresh and new using a technology that is the gateway to the world of today." For more information on CD-Academia Books contact: Bosko D. Loncarevic at 468-3392 or infocd@cd-books.com For more information on Dalhousie University's Arctic Discovery CD-Books on-line program contact Holly Melanson at 494-3631. Return to Top ...