# Data Management Plan PRIMA project

Elena Pierazzo, Serena Carlamaria Crespi, Alberto Campagnolo

► To cite this version:

Elena Pierazzo, Serena Carlamaria Crespi, Alberto Campagnolo. Data Management Plan PRIMA project. 1, Université de Tours - CESR. 2024. hal-04982126

HAL Id: hal-04982126

https://hal.science/hal-04982126v1

Submitted on 7 Mar 2025

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# "Manuscript Culture in the Age of Print" project DMP

Plan de gestion de données créé à l'aide de DMP OPIDoR, basé sur le modèle "Science Europe: structured template" fourni par DMP OPIDoR.

## Plan Details

**Plan title** "Manuscript Culture in the Age of Print" project DMP

**Deliverable**

**Version** First version

**Plan purpose/scope** The plan's purpose and scope are closely tied to preliminary work that has laid the foundation for its concrete development. These preparatory efforts include the doctoral thesis of Serena Carlamaria Crespi and the associated database MIV17, which is preserved by the University of Florence's DILEF laboratory.
Additionally, the project builds upon the data model published by Alberto Campagnolo on GitHub, further ensuring continuity with previous research and deliverables.

**Fields of science and technology (from OECD classification)** 6.5 Other humanities

**Language** eng

**Creation date** 2024-12-04

**Last modification date** 2025-02-26

**Identifier**

**Associated documents (publications, reports, patents, experimental plan...), website**
* PRIMA website : https://prima.hypotheses.org/

## Project Details
**Project title** Manuscript Culture in the Age of Print

**Acronym** PRIMA

**Abstract**
The PRIMA project investigates the enduring significance of manuscripts in the early modern period (1575-1800), challenging the assumption that print completely supplanted handwritten texts.
By examining manuscripts as dynamic tools for communication and scholarship, PRIMA uncovers their essential role in preserving and transmitting knowledge. Focusing on Italy—a unique setting where a thriving manuscript tradition coexisted with the rapid expansion of print—the project provides a compelling case study of their interplay.
PRIMA highlights how manuscripts remained active, adaptable, and influential well into the 18th century. It explores their production in diverse contexts, including modern scriptoria, monastic communities, universities, and academies, shedding light on the societal demands they fulfilled and the factors that sustained their relevance. The project also investigates the hybridization of manuscripts and print, showcasing how handwritten texts often emulated or incorporated printed elements.

Through innovative computational methods and interdisciplinary research, PRIMA unveils a hidden manuscript culture and its significant contributions to literature, science, music, and intellectual life. By challenging traditional views that marginalize manuscripts as secondary to print, the project offers a fresh perspective on cultural production in Early Modern Europe.

Key outcomes include the establishment of a Center for Modern Manuscript Studies, the discovery of previously unknown texts, and the creation of an open-access database to advance future research.

**Funding**

* European Commission: https://doi.org/10.3030/101142242

**Start date** 2024-09-01

**End date** 2029-08-31

**Research outputs :**

1. Metadata (Dataset)

2. Images (Image)

3. Text (Text)

**Contributors**
<table><thead><tr><td>Name</td><td>Affiliation</td><td>Roles</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Campagnolo Alberto - 0000-0002-8672-8400</td><td>University of Tours, CESR - University of KU Leuven</td><td><ul><li>(Metadata, Images)</li><li>Contact Person (Metadata)</li><li>Researcher (Images)</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Crespi Serena Carlamaria - 0000-0001-6747-3257</td><td>University of Tours, CESR</td><td><ul><li>(Text, Images, Text, Metadata, Metadata, Text, Text)</li><li>Contact Person (Metadata, Images, Metadata, Text)</li><li>DMP manager</li><li>Researcher (Images)</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Ferjani Sarra</td><td>University of Tours, CESR</td><td><ul><li>(Metadata)</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Muller Victoire</td><td>University of Tours, CESR</td><td><ul><li>(Text, Metadata)</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Papa Maria Antonia - 0000-0001-6385-4570</td><td>University of Padua</td><td><ul><li>(Text)</li><li>Researcher (Images, Metadata)</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Pierazzo Elena - 0000-0003-1356-3884</td><td>University of Tours, CESR</td><td><ul><li>(Metadata, Images, Text, Text)</li><li>Project Coordinator (Images, Text, Metadata, Images, Metadata)</li><li>Project coordinator</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Service Partenariats, Innovations et Valorisation</td><td>University of Tours</td><td><ul><li>(Metadata, Text, Images)</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Stefanello Ambra</td><td>University of Florence</td><td><ul><li>(Text, Images, Text)</li><li>Researcher (Metadata, Images)</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>UNIVERSITE DE TOURS</td><td>University of Tours, CESR</td><td><ul><li>(Text)</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Budget

<table><thead><tr><td>Cost type (Title)</td><td>Amount</td><td>Lifecycle stage</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Personnel cost (Metadata Processing and Extraction from Libraries' Catalogs)</td><td>14040 EUR</td><td>Existing reuse data associated costs - Metadata</td></tr></tbody></table>
# "Manuscript Culture in the Age of Print" project DMP

## Data description and collection or re-use of existing data

### Metadata

#### Research output description

**Name** Metadata

**Description** This group includes all the metadata that will be collected during the study of catalogs and manuscript sources. The data will be extracted through OCR processes applied to printed catalogs. Another part of the metadata will be produced through the codicological, paleographical, and textual analysis of the manuscripts. Specifically, includes:

* **Catalog Metadata:** Structured descriptions of catalog entries (e.g., title, author, publication date, subject classification) related to manuscripts dated between the 17th and 19th centuries.

* **Source Information:** Details regarding the provenance of the catalogs and manuscript datasets being analyzed or digitized, including the historical context and origins of the sources.

* **Codicological, Paleographical, and Textual Metadata:** Data resulting from the physical, script-based, and textual analysis of the manuscripts, providing insights into their structure, handwriting styles, materials, and content transmission.

These metadata will ensure the organization, traceability, and proper documentation of the data, supporting reproducibility and interoperability in the study of historical manuscripts from the specified period.

**Type** Dataset

**Workpackage** WP1

**Keywords (free-text)**

**Language** eng

**Issued Date**

**Persistent identifier**

**May contain personal data?** No

**May contain sensible data?** No

**May take ethical issues into account?** No

#### Will existing data be reused?

**Justification** The data to be reused are those provided directly by the libraries, with which prior agreements have already been established through specific conventions. In most cases, they require preliminary cleaning to adapt them to the project before carrying out research work and enriched when necessary. Most of these data come directly from the bibliographic catalogs of the partner libraries with which we will collaborate during the project (e.g., digital repositories such as ManusOnLine or physical catalogs).

**Costs**
* Personnel cost: 14 040 EUR

#### How new data will be collected or produced?
Name of the method

Description

* **Catalog metadata:** Existing metadata will be collected from previously published catalogs (e.g., digital repositories such as ManusOnLine or physical catalogs) and enriched when necessary.

* **Data from printed catalogs:** Metadata from historical paper catalogs will be digitized and extracted using OCR processes, resulting in structured digital datasets.

* **Provenance information:** Information about the historical context and origins of the manuscripts will be gathered through the direct analysis of catalog entries and supplementary archival research.

* **Manuscript analysis metadata:** Detailed metadata will be produced through codicological, paleographical, and textual analysis of the manuscripts, providing insights into their physical structure, script characteristics, materials, and content transmission.

* **Standardization:** All metadata will be organized and standardized using formats such as JSON, XML or TEI to ensure consistency, interoperability, and long-term accessibility.

Data Nature

Analysis data

## Images

Research output description

Name

Images

Description

The project will produce and collect high-quality digital images of manuscripts, which will serve as the foundation for multiple research activities.

The collected images will be analyzed to aid the study of the material characteristics of the manuscripts, such as:

* **Support:** Analysis of the physical material (e.g., parchment, paper).

* **Handwriting Styles:** Identification and classification of different types of scripts and letterforms.

* **Material Evidence:** Investigation of inks, pigments, bindings, and other physical attributes of the manuscripts.

* **Textual investigations:** The images will be processed using HTR (Handwritten Text Recognition) tools to produce transcriptions of the manuscript texts.

This integrated approach will ensure that both the textual content and the material aspects of the manuscripts are thoroughly examined and documented, providing a comprehensive understanding of their historical, paleographical, textual and material aspects.

Type

Image

Workpackage

WP1, WP4

Keywords (free-text)

Language

eng

Issued Date

Persistent identifier

May contain personal data? No

May contain sensible data? No

May take ethical issues into account? No

Will existing data be reused?
**Justification**

For certain manuscripts, the images already available in the libraries' repositories will be used to maximize the efficient use of existing resources and prevent unnecessary data duplication. This approach fosters the responsible reuse of high-quality materials while supporting sustainable research practices.

For each photograph, images will be sourced from partner libraries and archival institutions under pre-established agreements and formal conventions. These institutions will provide professional-grade reproductions, ensuring compliance with preservation standards for historical materials.

**How new data will be collected or produced?**

**Name of the method**

**Description**

The project will produce and collect high-quality digital images of manuscripts through two main methods:

* **Direct Photography by Project Researchers:**

* In most cases, the images will be produced directly by the researchers involved in the project. To ensure optimal quality and adherence to best practices for handling historical resources, the researchers are required to undergo specialized training with a professional photographer. This training aims to enhance their technical skills in photographic reproduction while emphasizing the careful handling and preservation of manuscript materials.

To guarantee consistency in data organization and long-term accessibility, all images captured by the research team will be named, saved, and preserved according to a predefined standardized nomenclature system. This system will ensure uniformity in file naming conventions, facilitate metadata integration, and support seamless data retrieval.

**Data Nature**

Audiovisual corpus

**Text**

**Research output description**
<table><tr><td>Name</td><td>Text</td></tr><tr><td>Description</td><td>The project data will include the production of textual transcriptions from manuscript images, as well as the creation of digital scholarly editions and philological analysis.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>Textual Investigations</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><ul><li><strong>Manuscript Processing:</strong> The manuscript images will be used using advanced Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) tools to generate accurate transcriptions. These transcriptions will serve as a foundation for further textual processing, enabling a detailed examination of the content, structure, and features of the manuscripts.</li><li><strong>Paleographical Studies:</strong> The project will also include an in-depth study of the paleographical features of the manuscripts, examining the styles, characteristics, and evolution of handwriting across different periods and regions.</li><li><strong>Variant Studies:</strong> Special attention will be devoted to internal textual variants, providing insights into the evolution, transmission, and interrelationships of different manuscript versions.</li><li><strong>Handwriting Recognition Models:</strong> Drawing on the paleographical studies, the project will contribute to the creation and refinement of handwriting recognition models, advancing the accuracy and applicability of HTR tools in the analysis of historical scripts.</li><li><strong>Model Refinement:</strong> The transcriptions will play a crucial role in improving HTR models, enhancing the recognition and interpretation of historical handwriting by integrating insights from paleographical research.</li><li><strong>Scholarly Editions:</strong> The results will culminate in the creation of digital scholarly editions, adhering to XML-TEI standards. These editions will offer accurate, dynamic, and accessible resources for academic research and future studies.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Type</td><td>Text</td></tr><tr><td>Workpackage</td><td>WP2, WP3, WP4</td></tr><tr><td>Keywords (free-text)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Language</td><td>eng</td></tr><tr><td>Issued Date</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Identifier type</td><td>DOI</td></tr><tr><td>May contain personal data?</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>May contain sensible data?</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>May take ethical issues into account?</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>Will existing data be reused?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Justification</td><td>The textual data for the project will be newly generated, including transcriptions derived from manuscript images, as well as the creation of digital scholarly editions and philological analysis. These transcriptions will be newly created by the research team and will form the foundation for further textual processing and detailed analysis.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><strong>How new data will be collected or produced?</strong></td></tr></table>
Name of the method

Description

The textual data for the project will be created starting from the transcriptions of the manuscripts. An initial series of transcriptions will be manually conducted by the research team, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability.

These initial transcriptions will then serve multiple purposes:

* They will be used to develop and refine Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) models, improving the automatic recognition of manuscript characters. The training and development of HTR models will be supported by access to the servers of the University of Tours, managed through agreements with the LIFAT computer science laboratory, as well as by leveraging platforms such as CaSciModOT.

* They will facilitate the retrieval of textual content directly from manuscript images, streamlining the creation of philological editions, which will be produced in XML-TEI format through the use of TEI Publisher infrastructure.

* Additionally, the extracted text will form the basis for paleographic studies, enabling detailed analysis of handwriting styles, script evolution, and other related aspects. For these studies, computer vision methods will be employed to develop models for analyzing and clustering handwriting styles.

This dual approach—combining manual transcription, automated recognition, and advanced computational methods—will ensure both the precision and scalability of the data creation process, contributing significantly to philological, textual, and paleographic research.

Data Nature

Text corpus

Documentation and data quality

Metadata

What metadata and documentation (for example way of organising data) will accompany the data?

Description

The metadata will be accompanied by the relevant documentation, providing a detailed description of the retrieval process, creation and the subsequent data processing. This documentation will ensure clarity and make explicit the methodological choices made throughout the project, enabling transparency and facilitating the reproducibility of the results.

Metadata/data standards

* METS : https://www.loc.gov/standards/mets/

* EAD (Encoded Archival Description) : https://rdamsc.bath.ac.uk/api2/m96

* CIDOC CRM : https://rdamsc.bath.ac.uk/api2/m114

* TEI (Text Encoding Initiative) Guidelines : https://rdamsc.bath.ac.uk/api2/m99

* Dublin Core : https://rdamsc.bath.ac.uk/api2/m15

Metadata language code

eng

What methods will be used to ensure their scientific quality?

Description

Data quality will be ensured through the implementation of existing controlled vocabularies (for instance VIAF, WikiData, SBN), newly created vocabularies (for instance codicological types not included in existing vocabularies), and data entry validation processes. The analysis schema will be designed to align precisely with the database validation schema, creating a consistent framework for data input and verification. This alignment allows for automated validation checks that ensure the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of the metadata. Controlled vocabularies will standardize terminology across all datasets, minimizing errors and discrepancies. Additionally, validation controls embedded within the database will automatically detect and flag inconsistencies or incomplete entries, ensuring high data integrity throughout the project.
# Images

What metadata and documentation (for example way of organising data) will accompany the data?

**Description**
These reproductions will adhere to recognized standards, ensuring structured metadata and long-term accessibility. METS (Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard) and EAD (Encoded Archival Description) will be used for descriptive metadata, while EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) will store technical metadata. For image distribution and interoperability, metadata from the IIIF (International Image Interoperability Framework) image server will be utilized. Additionally, Dublin Core metadata elements will be incorporated to ensure broad compatibility and interoperability with other archival and bibliographic systems, facilitating standardized resource discovery and seamless integration across different platforms.

The images produced by the libraries will be assigned an ARK (Archival Resource Key) identifier to ensure stable referencing and long-term accessibility within a secure framework.
Photographs taken directly by researchers will not be publicly disseminated.

**Metadata/data standards**
* EAD (Encoded Archival Description) : https://rdamsc.bath.ac.uk/api2/m96
* METS : https://www.loc.gov/standards/mets/
* EXIF : https://www.media.mit.edu/pia/Research/deepview/exif.html
* IIIF : https://iiif.io/
* ARK : https://arks.org/
* Dublin Core : https://rdamsc.bath.ac.uk/api2/m15

**Metadata language code** eng

What methods will be used to ensure their scientific quality?

**Description**
The quality control will be ensured by:
* **Use of high-resolution cameras** to capture fine details, such as variations in handwriting, texture, and material characteristics.
* **Standardized settings** for image resolution, color accuracy, and file formats (TIFF, PNG or JPEG for lossless quality).
* **Calibration of photographic equipment** (e.g., cameras, lenses, and monitors) to maintain accuracy in reproduction, including the use of color checkers and calibration tools for color fidelity, as well as reference scales and measurement targets to ensure accurate scaling and proportions
* **Ensuring uniform framing, focus, and exposure** across all images for consistency, especially when capturing multi-page manuscripts.
* **Collaboration with the MSH Val de Loire:** The MSH provides a scientific equipment platform (including cameras and related tools) for researchers in the Centre-Val de Loire region, which the project will be able to access in accordance with the platform's lending protocol (https://equipements.msh-vdl.fr/).

# Text

What metadata and documentation (for example way of organising data) will accompany the data?
<table><tr><td>Description</td><td>The textual data will be closely accompanied by comprehensive descriptive metadata that provides detailed information about each resource. This ensures that the textual content is fully contextualized and linked to its original source.<br/>Furthermore, the textual data will be tightly tied to the images used for the transcriptions (see Corpus Images), allowing for direct reference to the visual representation of the manuscripts. This connection will facilitate a more accurate interpretation of the text, preserving its original layout, features, and nuances.<br/>Additionally, the textual data will be integrated with the descriptive metadata of each manuscript (see Corpus Metadata), which includes essential information such as the provenance, codicological details, and historical context of the manuscripts.</td></tr><tr><td>Metadata/data standards</td><td><ul><li>TEI (Text Encoding Initiative) Guidelines: https://rdamsc.bath.ac.uk/api2/m99</li><li>XML-ALTO: https://www.loc.gov/standards/alto/</li></ul></td></tr></table>

## Metadata/data standards

* TEI (Text Encoding Initiative) Guidelines: https://rdamsc.bath.ac.uk/api2/m99

* XML-ALTO: https://www.loc.gov/standards/alto/

## What methods will be used to ensure their scientific quality?

<table><tr><td>Description</td><td>To ensure the scientific quality of the project, a combination of rigorous methodologies and adherence to recognized standards will be employed:<br/>1. <strong>Continuous Quality Control</strong>: The transcriptions will undergo constant verification by the research team to ensure accuracy, reliability, and consistency. This iterative process will help identify and correct any potential errors during the production phase.<br/>2. <strong>Adherence to Established Methods and Standards</strong>: The project will prioritize the use of widely recognized standards and methodologies for textual processing and data management, including:<ul><li>Encoding transcriptions in XML-TEI, a format widely accepted in philological and digital humanities research, to ensure structured and interoperable data.</li><li>Using XML-ALTO for HTR outputs, facilitating seamless integration with other digital tools and platforms.</li><li>Leveraging HTR models hosted on scientific repositories such as <a href="https://www.htr-united.org">Htr-United</a> to support the development and refinement of the PRIMA model, enhancing the recognition of handwritten texts.</li><li>Applying descriptive standards such as <a href="https://www.segmonto.org">SegmOnto</a>, specifically designed for the segmentation and annotation of manuscript images.</li></ul>By following these established methods and standards, the project not only ensures the quality and reliability of the data produced but also aligns with best practices in the field. This approach guarantees that the results are scientifically robust, interoperable, and accessible for further scholarly research and reuse.</td></tr></table>

## Legal and ethical requirements, codes of conduct

### Metadata

How will other legal issues, such as intellectual property rights and ownership, be managed? What legislation is applicable?
**Description**

Working with historical resources, such as catalogs and manuscripts spanning from the 17th to the 21st centuries, involves different legal considerations depending on the age of the materials. Most resources from the 17th to 20th centuries are in the public domain due to their age, allowing access to and reuse of their data.

In contrast, resources from the 21st century are generally subject to copyright and reuse restrictions, which must be respected. Furthermore, while the dissemination of catalog metadata is usually permitted, the distribution of catalog PDFs or full digital reproductions is often prohibited for copyrighted materials. To address these issues, formal agreements and conventions have been established with the institutions involved. These agreements ensure compliance with their requirements while allowing the project to collect, use, and disseminate digital images, as well as associated data and metadata, in a manner that respects copyright and institutional guidelines.

**What ethical issues and codes of conduct are there, and how will they be taken into account?**

**Description**

The research work will be carefully monitored and guided by the agreements and regulations established with the various repositories involved. All activities will strictly adhere to the standards and ethical guidelines for the preservation of cultural heritage.

This includes respecting access rights, reproduction permissions, and the proper handling of fragile materials. Collaboration with libraries will ensure that the research process aligns with institutional policies and legal frameworks, safeguarding both the physical integrity and the intellectual property of the sources.

## Images

**How will other legal issues, such as intellectual property rights and ownership, be managed? What legislation is applicable?**

**Description**

Regarding our project, we will comply with the regulations of Italian libraries, following the guidelines established by institutions such as *Istituto Centrale per il Catalogo Unico* (ICCU). This includes adherence to Italian regulations on the reproduction and reuse of manuscript images and photographic reproductions, in compliance with the Cultural Heritage and Landscape Code (Legislative Decree 42/2004) and relevant ministerial guidelines.

**Self-Reproduction:**

We will respect the conditions allowing the reproduction of cultural heritage items using personal devices, ensuring that no flash, tripods, or contact devices are used and that all reproductions serve non-commercial purposes. This practice is permitted without prior authorization and free of charge.

**Reuse of Images:**

The images utilized in our project will be used exclusively for study, research, freedom of expression, creative purposes, or to promote the knowledge of cultural heritage, strictly within non-profit activities.

**Requests for Reproductions:**

For any images not already available online, we will submit formal requests to the appropriate institutions. Reproductions will be obtained according to the conditions and fees outlined in current regulations, such as Ministerial Decree 161 of April 11, 2023.

**Use of Images from Non-Italian Libraries:**

For any potential images collected from non-Italian libraries, we will strictly comply with the applicable regulations set by the respective country and/or the holding institution.

Our project will fully align with these regulations to ensure ethical and legal use of cultural heritage materials.

**What ethical issues and codes of conduct are there, and how will they be taken into account?**
**Description**

The research work on manuscripts and catalogs will be carefully monitored and guided by the agreements and regulations established with the various repositories involved. All activities will strictly adhere to the standards and ethical guidelines for the preservation of cultural heritage.

This includes respecting access rights, reproduction permissions, and the proper handling of fragile materials. Collaboration with libraries will ensure that the research process aligns with institutional policies and legal frameworks, safeguarding both the physical integrity and the intellectual property of the sources.

**Text**

**How will other legal issues, such as intellectual property rights and ownership, be managed? What legislation is applicable?**

**Description**

Working with historical resources, such manuscripts spanning from the 17th to the 19th centuries, requires careful attention to intellectual property considerations. Since most of these manuscripts predate the 20th century, they fall within the public domain, allowing unrestricted access to and reuse of their textual content. However, all uses of these materials will be conducted with full respect for intellectual property rights and scholarly ethics, ensuring that the integrity and provenance of the original resources are preserved.

**What ethical issues and codes of conduct are there, and how will they be taken into account?**

**Description**

The research work on manuscripts and textual resources will be conducted in strict compliance with the agreements and regulations established with the repositories and institutions involved. The textual data will be extracted mostly from photographic reproductions of the manuscripts or from the direct examination of the manuscripts, ensuring full respect for access rights and reproduction permissions.

**Data processing and analysis**

**Metadata**

**How and with what resources will the data be processed / analyzed?**

**Description**

The collected data will be processed to generate structured outputs following XML standards. This approach will allow for the automated organization of bibliographic descriptions, facilitating the creation of a structured database. Such a database will serve as the foundation for conducting quantitative and statistical calculations, ensuring that the extracted information can be efficiently analyzed and visualized to uncover trends, relationships, and patterns within the manuscripts.

Furthermore, the data will enable qualitative analyses, as well as clustering techniques. These methods will be employed to study potential scenarios related to the production of manuscripts and their historical contexts. The analysis will also highlight peculiar cases or anomalies that warrant more focused and precise studies.

**Images**
## How and with what resources will the data be processed / analyzed?

### Description

The images will be used for various processing and analyses, including:

* **Textual Analysis:**

The images will serve as the foundation for HTR (Handwritten Text Recognition) processes, enabling the transcription of manuscript texts, the creation and refinement of recognition models, and the production of critical editions.

* **Material Analysis:**

The images will allow for detailed studies of the material characteristics of the manuscripts, including:

* The analysis of handwriting styles and scripts,

* The codicological examination,

* Any additional physical features that provide insight into the production and history of the manuscripts.

* **Virtual Exhibitions:**

A selection of particularly representative images will be used to curate virtual exhibitions, showcasing significant manuscripts and highlighting their textual and material features. These exhibitions will promote broader accessibility and public engagement with the project's findings.

## Text

### How and with what resources will the data be processed / analyzed?

### Description

The textual data extracted from high-quality photographic reproductions of the manuscripts will undergo a rigorous process of transcription, encoding, and analysis to ensure scientific accuracy and accessibility.

The processing and analysis of the data will involve several key steps:

* **Text Extraction:** Using Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) tools like *eScriptorium*, the textual content will be extracted from the manuscript images. Initial manual transcriptions carried out by the research team will play a crucial role in training and refining the HTR models, thereby enhancing the accuracy of automatic recognition.

* **Text Encoding:** The extracted texts will be encoded in XML-TEI, leveraging TEI Publisher to create structured, interoperable, and accessible representations of the texts. For HTR outputs, XML-ALTO will be used to ensure compatibility with advanced textual analysis tools.

* **Textual Analysis:** Once processed, the texts will undergo detailed philological analysis to study their structure, variants, and evolution. This includes identifying and documenting internal textual variations, enabling a deeper understanding of the manuscripts' transmission and historical context. Among the various tools to be used, *Passim* and *CollateX* will play a key role in textual analysis.

* **Paleographic Studies:** Advanced computational techniques, including computer vision and clustering methods, will be applied to study handwriting styles and their evolution across different manuscripts.

This structured approach ensures the accurate processing and scholarly dissemination of the textual data, while adhering to recognized standards and best practices in digital humanities research.

### Related references

* *eScriptorium*: https://msia.escriptorium.fr/

* *Passim*: https://github.com/dasmiq/passim/releases/tag/v1.0.0

* *CollateX*: https://collatex.net/

## Storage and backup during the research process
# Metadata

## How will data be stored and backed up during the research?

### Storage needs

During the research process, all data will be securely stored in the PRIMA GitLab repositories, managed by the University of Tours. This repository provides robust version control, ensuring that all changes to the data and code are tracked and documented throughout the project's lifecycle. Access to the repository will be restricted to authorized team members to maintain data security and integrity.

Regular backups of the repository will be performed on the University's secure servers, with automated duplication to ensure data recovery in the event of technical issues. Additionally, working copies of the data will be maintained locally by team members, with strict synchronization protocols to avoid inconsistencies.

In addition, UTBox, the storage service supported by the University of Tours, will be used to securely store data and documentation as a complementary system. This service will ensure accessibility and provide an additional layer of protection for the project's files.

A regular dump of the database containing the data will be stored in a virtual machine on a weekly basis, ensuring redundancy and facilitating efficient recovery if needed.

**Estimated volume of data** 700

**Unit** MB

**Measures taken for data security**

Regarding data security, no sensitive data is involved. The metadata produced by the project team will be made accessible through a dedicated database and will be used solely for research purposes.

# Images

## How will data be stored and backed up during the research?

### Storage needs

To ensure the preservation of the images, those produced by the project team—over which the team retains full responsibility—are currently stored on UTBox, a storage service supported by the University of Tours. These images will be progressively transferred and preserved on Huma-Num Box, which ensures reliable storage for up to 10 years.

**Estimated volume of data** 2

**Unit** TB

**Measures taken for data security**

Regarding data security, no sensitive data is involved. The images produced by the project team will remain accessible exclusively to the team and will be used solely for research purposes.

As for the images provided by libraries, their access and use will be governed by the regulations and policies established by the respective libraries.

# Text

## How will data be stored and backed up during the research?
<table><tr><td>Storage needs</td><td>The outputs of the work on the texts—including the HTR models, the tools or code used for their development, and the texts encoded in XML-TEI format—will be systematically deposited on the project's GitLab repository. Once validated, the XML text will also be available from the TEI-Publisher platform.<br/>This repository will serve as a centralized platform for organizing, documenting, and sharing the project's results. Regular updates will ensure that the data, tools, code, and resources remain accessible to the research team and the wider academic community. By making these outputs available on GitLab, the project promotes transparency, collaboration, and reproducibility, while aligning with the principles of Open Science and ensuring the long-term availability of its contributions.</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>Estimated volume of data</td><td>50</td></tr><tr><td>Unit</td><td>GB</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>Measures taken for data security</td></tr></table>

## Data sharing and long-term preservation

### Metadata

How will data be shared?

<table><tr><td>Modalities of sharing</td><td>The metadata generated and enriched during the project will hold significant value for future research and analysis, offering reusable resources for a variety of scholarly applications:</td></tr></table>

* **Catalog Metadata:** The metadata extracted and enriched through the study of existing catalog sources and OCR processes will be reusable for:

* Bibliographic and historical research on 17th to 19th-century manuscripts.

* Cross-referencing with other datasets or expanding existing collections in future projects.

* **Provenance Information:** The details regarding the origin and context of manuscript sources will be valuable for:

* Historical research

* Validation of related datasets.

* Enhancing interoperability with other research repositories.

* **Reusability and Licensing:** Whenever possible, the data will be shared under an open license (e.g., Creative Commons CC-BY or CC0), ensuring compliance with copyright restrictions and institutional policies. Data will be provided in standardized formats (e.g. JSON, XML, TEI), making it compatible with other research systems and maximizing its potential for reuse.

The metadata collected and enriched through the work carried out during the project will be shared publicly via descriptive records on [ManusOnLine](https://manusonline.com/). This platform, managed by the Istituto Centrale per il Catalogo Unico delle Biblioteche Italiane (ICCU), serves as a national catalog for manuscripts preserved in Italian libraries and archives. It provides a widely recognized and accessible framework for manuscript studies, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the scholarly community. Preliminary agreements with ICCU have already been established to facilitate the publication of project results. The metadata will be also shared with the libraries.

Additionally, the data and metadata will be deposited in a dedicated data repository (Nakala, Zenodo), ensuring their availability and sustainability beyond the duration of the project.

<table><tr><td>Reusability</td><td>Data will be provided in standardized formats (e.g., XML, TEI, JSON), making it compatible with other research systems and maximizing its potential for reuse.</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>Data repository/catalogs</td><td><ul><li>Zenodo: https://cat.opidor.fr/index.php/Zenodo ()</li><li>Nakala: https://cat.opidor.fr/index.php/Nakala (CoSO)</li></ul></td></tr></table>
## How will data be long-term preserved? Which data?

### Justification

For long-term preservation, we are still assessing various options, including platforms provided by Huma-Num (INIST) and CINES. These institutions will be consulted in the next phases of the project to determine the most suitable solution.

Start date

End date

Final dispositions

## Images

### How will data be shared?

### Modalities of sharing

Officially produced images are created by professional staff from each library and will be used to develop digital exhibitions. The libraries will be responsible for their management, ensuring proper preservation and potential publication in accordance with their internal regulations. Additionally, they may choose to publish a selection of these images on Manus Online, providing links to their respective digital repositories.

When necessary, for other project data, including enriched metadata and additional research outputs, sharing will take place through dedicated repositories such as Nakala and Zenodo, ensuring sustained accessibility and availability beyond the project's duration.

### Reusability

### Data repository/catalogs

* Nakala: https://nakala.fr/ ()

* Zenodo: https://cat.opidor.fr/index.php/Zenodo ()

* HumaNum BOX: https://documentation.huma-num.fr/humanum-box/ ()

## How will data be long-term preserved? Which data?

### Justification

The images of the manuscripts produced by the libraries will be managed by the institutions themselves for long-term preservation. Similarly, materials deposited on ManusOnline will be maintained by the hosting institutions, ensuring their durability and accessibility over time. The preservation and long-term management of images provided by libraries will remain the responsibility of those institutions.

Start date

End date

Final dispositions

## Text

### How will data be shared?
**Modalities of sharing**

The outputs of the work on the texts—including the HTR models, the tools or code used for their
development, the training data, the transcriptions, and the texts encoded in XML-TEI format—
will be systematically deposited on the project's GitLab repository.

All components related to the models, code, and transcriptions will be progressively shared on
GitLab, ensuring continuous access to the latest updates and developments. This incremental
approach allows the research team and the wider community to track the progress of the project
while promoting collaboration and transparency.

Simultaneously, the scholarly digital editions produced during the project will be published using TEI Publisher, ensuring that they are accessible, structured, and compliant with recognized standards in digital humanities.

To ensure maximum reusability for scientific and research purposes, all outputs of the project
will be published in Open Access. This includes the HTR models, the tools or code developed by
the research team, the scholarly digital editions, and any analytical tools created during the
project.

**Reusability**

The text may be of interest to textual scholars working on similar subjects, as well as to linguists and literary scholars seeking reliable datasets.

**Data repository/catalogs**

* Nakala : https://nakala.fr/ ()

* GitLab : https://about.gitlab.com/ ()

**How will data be long-term preserved? Which data?**

**Justification**

To ensure the long-term preservation of the project's outputs, all data generated—including
transcriptions, XML-TEI encoded texts, and other associated resources—will be securely stored
in dedicated repositories.

HTR models will be deposited in Zenodo, ensuring their accessibility and alignment with open science practices. For textual data, the project is currently evaluating the most suitable long-term management system, with CINES being considered for data preservation. Additionally, source codes developed within the project will be archived in Software Heritage.

**Start date**

**End date**

**Final dispositions**