The Biodiversity Heritage Library's (BHL) 64 million pages of scientific knowledge are on shaky ground, threatening a vital resource for scientists and the public alike. Since its creation 20 years ago, the online archive has provided free access to historic texts on species living and lost, supplied by the world's leading museums and universities.
The library is an indispensable tool for researchers, educators, and members of the public, offering a vast array of collections from different institutions. These include published biodiversity literature and journals, letters, illustrations, climate records, field diaries, ecosystem profiles, distribution records, and manuscripts containing the original collecting stories of a particular species or detailing voyages of discovery.
According to David Iggulden, chair of the BHL executive committee, the library is 'absolutely essential' for scientists in the field. He also notes that it is used by citizen scientists, educators, art historians, artists, and members of the public who simply enjoy browsing its contents.
The library's collection includes a rare gem: Sir Joseph Hooker's illustrated Antarctic journal, featuring his watercolour sketches of two volcanoes first sighted in 1841 on his expedition to the continent. Being able to share such unique, handwritten manuscripts with the world fulfils one of the key aims of the BHL, says Nicole Kearney, who leads the Australian branch of the library.
A recent report from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, highlighted the crucial role digitisation is playing in 'transforming our ability to understand and respond to the climate and biodiversity crises'. However, the future of the BHL hangs in the balance due to funding concerns.