Understanding Medieval Manuscripts: St. Gall's Virtual Library

In 2005, the Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen began digitizing its collection of medieval manuscripts. The creation of such virtual libraries available via the Internet is gaining in popularity with libraries, a trend that will radically ease the logistical constraints of studying medieval texts in their original context. While critical editions will continue to be an important tool for certain types of research, virtual libraries enable a wider community of scholars to engage with texts that are not amenable to critical editions or to ask questions that critical editions obscure. This article reviews the range of research that has centered around the study of manuscripts held at St. Gall, including school books, liturgical books, and patristic authors, and outlines the kinds of questions and insights that manuscript studies can provide for medieval history.