The Book: Discovering Sounds Initiative

This research project proposes an exploration of a novel means of annotation and interaction with material in the area of arts and humanities using advanced audio-visual technology. It is a collaborative research project bringing together expertise from the areas of:

• Arts (School of English TCD): Dr. Alice Jorgensen and Prof. Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin

• Pedagogy/Education (Centre for Learning Technology TCD): Ms. Catherine Kane

• Audio & Video Signal Processing (School of Engineering TCD): Prof. Frank Boland and Prof. Anil Kokaram


The project aims to improve interpretation, translation and transcription, which will enrich the user’s experience and understanding of Manuscripts, Early Printed Books, EPB’s, and other material in the TCD Library collection. An application will be developed to display the Trinity Manuscripts and EPB’s in digital format and incorporating audio-visual aids for users. This application will not be manuscript specific but should be easily applied to any selection of scanned images/pages.  The project aims also to make such Manuscripts and EPB’s, more accessible to users with sight or hearing difficulties through voice/audio and visual highlighting.
This is a research initiative that will study the role of eLearning and explore its impact on teaching and learning in the Arts and Humanities. The project has significance in the School of English where the study of Manuscripts and EPB’s is a fundamental subject for students.  For the School of Engineering this project offers a valuable opportunity to investigate, in a library environment, the application of its research on audio-visual display synchronization.

Funding Bodies