Преглед НЦД 12 (2008), 75–81 Saša Malkov, Nenad Mitić, Žarko Mijajlović (Faculty of Mathematics, University of Belgrade) NIKOLA TESLA ONLINE CLIPPING LIBRARY PROTOTYPE 1 Abstract: Nikola Tesla Museum (Belgrade, Serbia) possesses a unique clipping library, collected by the famous scientist himself. The Digitizing Group at Faculty of Mathematics and the museum analyzed the problem of clipping library online publication. A prototype digitization procedure and a prototype Web site are developed. Key words: Nikola Tesla, online library, digitization. 1. Introduction Nikola Tesla (1856–1943), American scientist of Serbian origin, usually presented himself as electrical engineer and inventor. His professional results and unique personality made him one of the most celebrated scientists of his time. As a public person, Tesla used to speak or publish comments on current topics, not only in science and technology, but also on different social problems, from food quality to war prevention. His work, personality and, above all, his visionary approach to any topic, very often resulted in public disapprovals. Many scientists and journalists in different parts of the world almost competed in publishing papers on Nikola Tesla and his spoken or written statements, either with acceptance or disapproval, and either with meaningful or irrational criticism [1]. Today we often concentrate on Nikola Tesla’s results, ignoring the circumstances of his time and environment, but any in-depth analysis of his work and results absolutely must consider all available information on acceptance and disapprovals of his work by his contemporaries. What is amazing is that great work in providing such information did Nikola Tesla himself. During his life, Nikola Tesla, with support of his secretary, collected journals and newspapers clippings covering his work and statements. A number of collected clippings were organized in 57 books, but many clippings are preserved in boxes and not sorted yet. It is assumed that less than a half of the clippings are organized. The value of the clipping library collected by the famous inventor is even increased by a lot of comments, written by hands on sides of these clippings. According to the last wish of the scientist, all the documents and Tesla’s personal things are transferred in Belgrade in 1949. Nikola Tesla Museum [1] was founded in 1952, to preserve and publish the valuable inheritance and to support research on Nikola Tesla in all parts of the world. The museum possesses exceptional collections, including: above 160.000 1 This work was supported under project No 6201 by Ministry of Science and Environment of Republic of Serbia.