Open Access

Michael Szurawitzki

• Is the digital future a blessing for philologists, especially those working the vast area of Germanic Languages & Literatures? Or does it rather come with problems that jeopardize philology, in the Germanic and the broader scope? This paper sets out to explore the status quo (1.) of digital source material in Germanic philology, ranging from medieval manuscripts to 21st century e-books and their, at times, highly restricted availability to the scientific community. Do we really face a quantum leap in terms of open access, or is this leap rather confined to those only who pay the exorbitant fees specialist libraries charge for the use of their rare manuscript and book collections? How about Google Books (2.)? Are we in danger of neglecting everything that is (still) missing there? And what is in it for the German scholar? Can we believe that in some years’ time we will be able to get our hands on every source text we desire within seconds since it is only a click away? This paper critically assesses the process and progress of the digitization of mankind’s written records (3.), focusing on problems to be overcome by e.g. medievalists wishing to consult certain source material. This is illustrated by means of the example of how it is not yet possible consult certain materials related to the Franciscan preacher Berthold von Regensburg († 1272). A short concluding summary (4.) highlights perspectives for further thinking and discussion.