eKnjiga, a new portal for the digital preservation of the Slovenian written heritage under the auspices of the NUK

In June 2026, Slovenia took a significant step forward in its cultural and technological landscape with the launch of the eKnjiga project, a new initiative aimed at digitizing and preserving Slovenian written heritage under the umbrella of the National and University Library (NUK). The project represents one of the most important developments in the country's publishing industry, offering a centralized platform for publishers to manage the publication process more efficiently and digitally. This initiative addresses long-standing challenges faced by the publishing sector, where existing systems were often fragmented, complex, and difficult to navigate.

The eKnjiga project was officially unveiled during an event held at Hotel Slon in Ljubljana, attended by key figures such as Minister of Culture Ignacija Fridl Jarc. According to representatives from NUK, the project emerged as a response to the growing need for streamlined digital processes within modern publishing. Traditional systems had become increasingly outdated, making administrative tasks cumbersome and inefficient. With eKnjiga, publishers can now access a single platform that integrates essential functions related to book production and collaboration with NUK. These include submitting CIP requests, obtaining identifiers, submitting mandatory print and online publication copies, and managing bibliographic data and digital content.

One of the standout features of the eKnjiga portal is its support for the ONIX international standard, which facilitates standardized and automated exchange of publishing information between publishers, distributors, booksellers, libraries, and other systems. This integration ensures smoother communication and reduces redundancy in data management. The project also includes updates to NUK’s website, enhancing user experience and accessibility while introducing a digital assistant to help users find information about library services. Additionally, the portal allows for the submission of online publications and digital originals, which will then be included in the Digital Library of Slovenia (dLib.si) and other long-term preservation systems.

A particular emphasis has been placed on digital originals—files created during the preparation of a publication that represent its original digital form. According to NUK officials, these files offer superior quality for long-term preservation and improved access to materials. As a result, they anticipate that digital originals will become a crucial component of preserving Slovenian literary heritage in the digital age. However, NUK has also highlighted the need for legislative updates to fully realize the potential of this transition.

Minister of Culture Ignacija Fridl Jarc emphasized that the primary goal of eKnjiga is not merely to provide free access to content for the general public but also to simplify procedures for all system users, especially publishers. She noted that the project marks the beginning of a broader transformation rather than a final conclusion. The success of eKnjiga will depend on its practical application over time, allowing for necessary improvements based on real-world usage.

Representatives from the Association of Slovenian Publishers, including President Maja Jug Hartman, have acknowledged the long-standing demand for such a solution within the publishing community. While the unveiling of eKnjiga signifies progress, she stressed that the journey is just beginning. Continuous feedback and daily use of the platform will determine how effectively it meets the needs of its users and what further enhancements might be required.

Looking ahead, the implementation of eKnjiga is expected to significantly impact the publishing industry in Slovenia. By providing a unified digital environment, the project aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, improve transparency, and enhance the overall efficiency of the publishing process. Moreover, the focus on digital originals and their inclusion in national preservation systems could set a precedent for future initiatives in digital archiving and cultural heritage management. As the project evolves, it will likely influence policy discussions regarding the legal framework supporting digital publishing and long-term content preservation.