By Katharhynn Heidelberg

A valuable resource has just been given a technological edge.

Ira Freeman’s classic book, The History of Montezuma County, is now available on a compact disc, complete with an index.

The disc is due in part to the tireless efforts of the Anasazi Historical Society and the permission of copyright holder Wayne Denny.

The project, funded by an $8,000 grant from the Ballantine Foundation, has been in the works for quite some time.

According to treasurer Nancy Hammack, the society "had the grant for years and years," and had intended to use it to reprint the book. However, once further consideration had been given, this option proved too expensive.

Gradually, members made the decision to put the book into compact disc format, because they "felt it would be more useful in libraries on a CD ROM."

Accordingly, the group arranged to have the book professionally scanned by IKON, an Albuquerque digital imaging firm.

This enhanced accessibility comes to the public through the work of both past and present members of the historical society, making it a group effort for a community cause.

Hammack said the process has taken about two years, and people interested in local history — particularly genealogists — should find the finished product a boon to their research.

Currently, Jay Robertson, president of the society, is busy distributing copies of the compact disc to local schools, Fort Lewis College and regional libraries