HULib Critical Editions (HULCE) enables the creation of free editions of all kinds of texts based on ancient or modern manuscripts. The system is based on the idea of linking data. For the user of the edition, digitized manuscripts and old digitized editions open up as pop-up windows in the right place, making it much easier to study the manuscripts and editions at the same time (synoptically). Furthermore, the editor can easily provide a critical apparatus, translation and commentary, which all can be opened as pop-up windows in the right place, elucidating the study of the text. All of these elements can also be studied separately, copied and printed according to the needs of the user. HULCE is developed to promote the materially cost-free creation and open availability of digital editions. It seeks to open possibilities for cooperation between institutions, librarians, scholars and teachers who are interested in creating editions of texts based on digitized manuscripts and editions. At the same time, new open and digital editions give a chance for manuscripts that have not yet been digitized, hoping they may be available someday. HULCE also promotes digital humanities, the study of the reception history of ancient texts, issues related to local texts and more. Last but not least, the agenda of HULCE is not only that of specialists and professionals. It also seeks to promote citizen science – anyone's interest in ancient authors, old books and manuscripts – a past that becomes alive.
