We are living in exciting times for the digital publishing of Scripture. The Bible is being made available in ever more of the world’s languages, as audio downloads, Smartphone apps, Scripture videos, on social media and language-based websites.
But good products alone will not ensure success. The diagram below, developed by a multidisciplinary team within SIL, illustrates several key themes that need to be considered in a comprehensive digital Scripture access and engagement strategy.
The chart comes from a much longer report that began with a summary of recent findings:
- Over the coming years, digital will be increasingly normal and should become part of our normal processes. We want to see digital strategy integrated into what is already in place and not an optional extra.
- It is important for us to have an integrated, holistic strategy, taking into account all parts of the picture, rather than creating products and hoping that others will develop a strategy for their distribution, promotion and engagement. In particular, language programme plans should not focus on digital products without seeing them in the context of a digital media strategy. There must be a clear plan for their purpose, distribution and promotion – and the necessary resources for this.
This is similar to what we have struggled with in the past: the publication of Scripture without a plan for distribution and engagement, impedes access and impact.
- There is the impression that digital Scripture publishing is a free and easy thing to do, not taking much time, but the reality is that it does come with a cost if we want to do it effectively.
- Digital Scripture Access and Engagement strategy does not fit neatly into one SIL domain. It needs cross-domain collaboration, involving language programme planning, publishing, language technology, media, Scripture engagement, EthnoArts, etc.
- In each of the aspects of digital strategy there is the question of who does it: do we do this ourselves or equip others to do it, or partner with others? Should it happen at a community or language programme level, a country level, area or international?
We recognise that a single team or organisation will not be doing everything but we must not assume that others will be playing a part in the strategy without working closely together with them in digital strategy partnerships.
We want to build capacity in local communities for ongoing digital Scripture engagement. At the same time, we see advantages in certain digital services being offered at a country, area or international level within SIL.
- We need more participation from the younger generation, “digital natives” who have grown up in the digital world. We encourage recruitment from among this demographic – communicating in a way that engages.
- Although the focus of this strategy document is on digital Scriptures, many of the principles described here will be applicable to the publication of other types of material in digital form, such as dictionaries, books for new readers, etc.
More from the full report will be shared with the EMDC community over the coming months.