Student Equity, Excellence, and Diversity

Digitizing Hawaiian Language Newspapers to Promote
Wider Use via the World Wide Web

Description of Project

Libraries at the University of Hawai'i have historically endeavored to both preserve and make accessible materials on diversity issues. Approximately eighty Hawai'ian language newspapers were published in Hawai'i from 1834 to 1948. These primary historical documents of Hawai'i are currently stored on microfilm which was produced from newspapers that had deteriorated through the years.

Subsequent use by students and scholars have deteriorated the microfilm. Some heavily used microfilm also disappeared, and replacement copies were purchased. New technology of digital scanning enables access to these resources without destroying the resource itself, and allows for the enhancement of microfilmed images, so that a more readable image than that which is available on microfilm can be produced.

In addition to promoting diversity by presenting Hawai'ian language resources in an electronic format, this project also advances the diversity goal of the University of Hawai'i by making Hawai'ian language newspapers accessible wherever there is access to the World Wide Web. Few libraries have collections of the microfilm, but increasing numbers of individuals and educational institutions are connecting to the Web.

The newspapers present the Hawai'ian view of historical events, genealogy, stories, and culture. They will serve as primary resources for future research by a growing population of scholars, thereby advancing the Universitys goal of educational excellence.

Back To Top