Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DBL?

DBL - short for Digital Bible Library (DBL) - is an online platform that provides secured access to the largest collection of digital Bible content in thousands of languages and versions. DBL aims to make the Bible more accessible to people around the world by offering various translations, study materials, and tools for reading and understanding the scriptures.

For individual users and developers, DBL manages a library of open access content that any member may download. (Note that this platform does require intermediate to advanced technical competency to use effectively.)

For organizations, DBL enables Bible translators and publishers to upload their content and decide how that should be licensed. DBL also manages the licensing process for contributors to approve how other organizations may use their controlled access content.

What are the new features in DBL Next?

DBL Next launches on a new platform using modern technologies, developed from a brand new code base. New features include the following:

a user-friendly experience
browse content with greater ease
membership for individuals
a simpler process for licensing content.

In addition, DBL Next is now accessible from both desktop and mobile, has an enhanced API for developers, more integration with other platforms,

What’s the difference between DBL Classic and DBL Next?

While our platform has undergone a significant redesign, we want to reassure you that all of the core features and functionality from DBL Classic have been retained. Some features have undergone improvements, and we’ve also introduced new functionality. This table shows the key changes:

Description	DBL Classic	DBL Next
DBL Next has a new web address	app.thedigitalbiblelibrary.org	library.bible
Membership is open to organizations and individuals too	DBL was exclusively for organizations registered in their country.	Individuals can now create their own DBL account to browse and download open-access content.
Simplified, clear roles in organizations	Admin, Archivist, Librarian, Licenser, Publisher	Account Manager, Content Manager, License Manager
Easier to browse content library with better search functions	Content was browsed and searched by content type only.	Finding and exploring content is now easier with a user-friendly interface that makes everything more searchable, shows more details, plus sort and filter functions too.
Find member organizations more easily	Basic search for other organizations	For organizations, our Member Community section has a fresh look, offering updated profile views to help you connect better.
Licensing is easier	The licensing process was complicated with multiple steps and no helper tips.	The License section now highlights templates and agreements, making it simpler to handle the licensing process easier for everyone within DBL.
In-app uploader dashboard	Content could only be contributed and archived using Paratext.	Content can be uploaded within the DBL platform with a user-friendly interface that guides you every step of the way.
Accessible from any device	DBL was only usable on a desktop browser.	DBL is accessible via a web browser on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Easier member application process	The membership application process was complex, due to using multiple platforms and older technologies.	Creating an organization within DBL is now more straightforward than before, thanks to our enhanced Member Application process. We've simplified the steps required to set up an organization and submit it for review.
Easier collaboration with other organizations		Once your organization is approved, you can invite others to join and help manage your new entity, streamlining collaboration and management within the platform.
Developer API improvements		While we continue to support our existing API, we're rolling out an all new and feature-rich API. To help you get started quickly, we'll provide developer documentation that makes it simple to understand and implement.
More integrations		We've made improvements in how DBL integrates with key tools like Paratext and deeper reporting capabilities for Progress.Bible. Plus, new upgrades are coming soon to allow content uploads from other partners and translation tools.
Changes in terminology	Archivist or archiving	Uploader or uploading
	Publisher	Distributor
	Library Card Holder (LCH)	Distributor
	Intellectual Property Contributor (IPC)	Contributor

How do I get a DBL account to access Bible content?

Sign up for a free account at library.bible/signup and apply for DBL membership. Individual members may download open access content (most of these will be Creative Commons). An organization is a contributor when they upload content they’ve produced. An organization is a distributor when granted a license agreement to download controlled access content. Membership is subject to review and approval by the DBL Care Team.

What type of Bible content is available in DBL?

Content is available in five different format types: text, audio, video, print, and braille. Video is primarily used for sign language. (Did you know there are over 400 sign languages in the world?)

What kind of format is text content in?

By default, the text content in DBL is in Unified Scripture XML (USX) format, the, which allows developers to programmatically build software and apps that engage users in many innovative ways. While it is possible for DBL contributors to upload text in other formats, like HTML, or plain text, most of the text content on the DBL is encoded in USX.

How do I download content from the DBL?

Browse the content library by going to the top of the DBL dashboard and click on Content. To find specific content, use the Sort and filter button to the right or use the search bar, which will automatically show results as you type. Click on the View link to the right of the content item to see its Content Summary. If the content is Open Access, any DBL member can download. If the content is Controlled Access, only organizations that have an agreement with the Contributor that provided the content can access files to download files.

For more information, see 'Browse The Content Library'.

What’s the difference between a template and agreement?

A template is a structured document with placeholder variables that DBL uses to draft an agreement with specific information for the Contributor and Distributor organizations. Placeholder variables will be automatically replaced with relevant information, making templates useful to draft agreements with multiple Distributor organizations, instead of creating a new agreement each and every time. Read the article Licensing Process to understand how it all works in DBL.

How do I contact the DBL Care Team?

To respond better to your feedback, please select the reason that fits best:

Contact the DBL Care team by email: support@library.bible - we’re here to help!

How do I as a Distributor get access to a translation listed in DBL?

There are 2 kinds of content items in the DBL: Open access and Controlled access. Open access means you as the distributor—whether as an individual or as an organization—can immediately access and download the translation.

If a translation has Controlled access, your organization will need to request a license to get access. Read the article titled 'How to Get a License' for instructions. A Controlled access translation is not available to individuals.

How do I authorize another organization to manage content that my organization has contributed?

Your organization may invite other DBL members—individuals and organizations—to help manage your content. You can delegate roles for your entire organization’s content or delegate roles on a per-item basis. See the article titled 'How to Delegate Access' for more instructions.

Our organization would like to make our translation available through DBL. Where do we start?

Thank you for your interest in adding to the DBL! Your organization can prepare to contribute your translation into the DBL by following the instructions in this article titled 'Uploading Content.'