The home page of the database on Việt Nam, its land and people. — Photo baovanhoa.vn

HÀ NỘI — The image of Việt Nam through its land and people will soon be publicised in an online database built by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The ministry announced the project that was developed for two years by the ministry’s Library Department in collaboration with experts, public and private libraries, publishing houses and other agencies at a ceremony held recently in Hà Nội. 

Vũ Dương Thúy Nga, director of the department, said that the database aims to provide information for studying and researching about the country and people of Việt Nam.

Nga added that the information would help preserve national heritage and promote the patriotism and pride about the country and its people.

The project has taken advantage of many resources and relationships between libraries and information centres by sharing their information.

Data about ethnic groups will also be provided in the database.

Through the database, the image of Việt Nam as an ideal tourist destination to international friends will also be revealed to attract more investment in developing tourism, according to Nga.

The database comprises more than 100,000 MARC (machine-readable-cataloging) bibliographic records, including some 5,000 digital and digitalised documents available for viewing.

Library director of the University of Home Affairs Phạm Quang Quyền last week said the database would be divided into books, newspapers, magazines, photos and video clips, providing an insight into Việt Nam and its 63 cities and provinces, scenic spots, famous people, destinations and festivals.

The database was built and managed by DSPACE, an open source software programme.

A report from the ministry revealed that after the announcement last weekend, its relevant units will collect comments from experts in the field of libraries and archives to complete and put the database into operation soon. — VNS