New Zealand Electronic Text Centre (NZETC)
In 2001, Victoria University set up a centre to turn New Zealand literature into easily searchable electronic documents.
The NZETC operates with a threefold mission:
- to create a sustainable, optimally usable and free online library of New Zealand and Pacific Island texts and materials;
- to create a community skilled in the use and creation of digital materials through training and faculty projects; and
- to effectively partner with other organisations as a collaborator and as a service provider.
Following upon these ideals, the NZETC hosts an ever-expanding free internet archive of standards-based and searchable XML texts and images, delivered through an Open Source framework. The archive offers a range of materials in multiple formats for download or online browsing, with several themed collections such as the Online Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War and the digital literary journal, Turbine.
Through a balanced programme of student training, faculty projects and innovative partnerships with other partnerships with other institutions in New Zealand, the NZETC is building and maintaining a community throughout New Zealand that is skilled in XML and electronic publishing, and knowledgable in the creation and use of digital materials.
The NZETC also provides expertise and services to other institutions, including commercial organisations, in XML, document conversion and repurposing, Open Source e-publishing, metadata, digital imaging, and digitisation project development and management.
The NZETC's full time staff, equipment, space and some digitisation projects are funded by Victoria University, but the Centre also earns other income to support significant research and digitisation. In order for the Centre to continue adding to its free online library without waiting for grant funding, other income streams include revenue from commercial work based on the specialised skills and expertise of the NZETC staff.
The University's commercial entity, Victoria Link Ltd, represents the NZETC in all of its external contractural engagements, including partnerships and client services.
