The is working with Keio University, Tokyo on digitising some of its most important works, including the 1454 Gutenberg Bible and the first two Caxton editions of Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', some of the earliest books printed in the West using moveable type.
Interactive consultancy Oyster has been charged with developing site designs suitable for displaying works through the existing British Library website.
Each work will be given its own microsite, designed to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. Oyster is looking at ways of making the online viewing experience as close as possible to physically reading the books, as well as giving users information about the works.
Adrian Arthur, head of web services delivery at the British Library, said: "Oyster's user-centred approach to design and architecture is essential to this project.
"The aim is to ensure that anyone who is interested in these works can access them freely without compromising the books themselves, and the Oyster team has shown itself to be creative and innovative in its approach to the challenge, while focusing firmly on ensuring that users from all audiences will find these microsites useful."
The first book due to go online is the Caxton Chaucer, towards the end of the year.
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