Old and rare book collections bring to mind the personal libraries of the landed gentry in England. Floor-to-ceiling shelves of dark leather bound books with gold engraved covers. Maybe a little bit dusty… perhaps musty. 

What is the future of these books and book collections if they cannot be poured over… shared… handled… enjoyed... it's a question raised - and potentially answered - by digitising old and rare books.

History of Books and Shakespeare expert Emma Smith spoke on the topic for the launch of the State Library Victoria's new online exhibition Beyond The Book.