Collaborative Initiative: Digitizing Rare Books and Manuscripts - A Joint Venture by Kazakhstan and Harvard Libraries
Kazakhstan and Harvard University Ink Deal to Boost Academic, Cultural Collaboration
In a significant step towards strengthening higher education and scientific ties, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MoSHE) and Harvard University's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies have formalized a partnership. The agreement, signed by Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, during his visit to the United States, was reported by our website, citing the ministry's press service.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines various academic exchanges, including scholarships and research internships, in fields such as history, politics, economics, and sustainable development. Notably, it grants temporary library and archival access for Kazakh scientists involved in joint projects at Harvard University.
Preservation and promotion of Kazakhstan's historical heritage are key aspects of the collaboration. A joint project with Harvard's Houghton Library has been agreed upon to catalog, digitize, and make accessible Kazakhstan's collection of rare books and manuscripts. This endeavor includes developing an electronic database, exchanging expertise between specialists, organizing exhibitions, and cultural events to showcase Kazakhstan's rich cultural and historical heritage.
In addition, plans call for creating educational courses based on materials from Kazakhstan's rare book collection for students and researchers at Kazakh universities. Furthermore, these educational and scientific institutions will gain access to the Houghton Library's electronic database, expanding research and educational opportunities.
Research projects and scientific publications based on materials from Kazakhstan's collection are also supported under the MoU. This collaboration aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan's history and culture. The ministry noted that the agreement will open up new horizons for bilateral cooperation, facilitate advanced academic exchange, and contribute to the development of science and higher education in Kazakhstan.
Online education will be expanded through the collaboration, as plans include creating educational courses based on Kazakhstan's rare book collection for students and researchers at Kazakh universities. Lifelong learning is fostered by the agreement, as research projects and scientific publications based on materials from Kazakhstan's collection are encouraged. The partnership between Kazakhstan and Harvard University will contribute significantly to science, education-and-self-development, and online-learning by promoting a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan's history and culture.
