Digital Library of Lao Manuscripts

For both established and emerging writers working with Laos, the Digital Library of Lao Manuscripts is an exceptional resource. Over the course of ten years, manuscript holdings of over 800 monasteries were surveyed, and approximately 86,000 texts (368,000 fascicles) preserved and a central data pool created. Microfilms taken of about 12,000 selected texts are now incorporated in the Digital Library of Lao Manuscripts Collection.

In their gallery they have fascinating photographic documentation of their journey, such as this image of a classic ho tai, or manuscript repository:

Considering how many palm leaf manuscripts were deliberately destroyed and permanently lost over the centuries, these texts are an essential and important body of work to preserve.  Over time, they will be critical towards reconstruction efforts and understanding our journey as a people.

Be sure to check it out.