Julia Salamądry
The aim of this research was to describe one of the main areas of the computerisation of the cultural heritage protection system, namely the digitisation and online accessibility of cultural resources. This issue was examined using the example of a specific category of special collections: music collections. The subject of the research was the project ‘Chopin’s Heritage in Open Access’, carried out between 2017 and 2021 by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute (NIFC). The study employed the methods of literature analysis and critique, case study, and expert assessment. Based on a set of criteria devised by the author, the usability of the portal providing access to digitised resources was assessed from the perspective of the end user, with particular emphasis on ensuring linguistic accessibility and digital accessibility. The research sources comprised electronic documentation relating to the project’s implementation, the Chopin Heritage Open Access portal (as at 31 August 2025) and the NIFC website. Based on the usability study conducted, it was concluded that, in its current form, the portal only partially meets the anticipated needs and expectations of its users.