How is the idea of Archives 2.0 being harnessed to enhance access and

usability of archival materials using Web 2.0?

Archives 2.0 and Web 2.0Definition and Implementation

Created by Jessica K Reeder on September 24, 2009

What is Web 2.0?...Briefly

“Web 2.0 refers to both a set of technologies and a set of principles about how visitors should be able to utilize the web.” (Elizabeth Yakel, “Inviting the User Into the Virtual Archives,” page 160)

A Few Examples…

World of Web 2.0 Collage by AJ Batac, Found at eggnyte.com/worldofweb20.jpg

What is Archives 2.0?The evolution of Web 2.0 principles into defining characteristics of the way Archives work in relation to users. Web 2.0 applications can be used as the first step to implement Archives 2.0 principles. But it’s “not just Archives + Web 2.0” (Kate Theimer on her blog “ArchivesNext.” Available at http://www.archivesnext.com/?cat=25)

Found at http://www.menil.org/images/1_archivesB.jpg

“Characteristics of Archives 2.0”

•“Open• Transparent• User-centered• Standardization• Technology savvy• Measuring outputs, outcomes, impacts• Archivist as facilitator•Archivists valued because of what they do• Innovation & Flexibility•Looking for ways to attract new users”

~Kate Theimer on her blog “ArchivesNext.” Available at http://www.archivesnext.com/?cat=25

Examples…

Challenges to Implementing Archives 2.0

Lack of planning examples, but requires planning

Requires upkeepRequires

evaluation and reevaluation

TimeLack of controlEasy?

Dealing with the Challenges - Planning

Why Plan?• Technology and applications are

continually evolving.• The ability to combine any site with an

application creates a myriad of options.• The flexibility of the tools lends itself to

new interpretations specific to institution.

• Planning can help troubleshoot before launching.

•Resources to help with planning

•Business resources•Kate Theimer’s Book

Upkeep

Why do I need to do upkeep?• Technology and applications are continually evolving.• Many applications make it easy.• Without upkeep, the site can become unusable either through technological, intellectual, or visual issues.• Archivists acting as moderator and facilitator rather than gatekeeper.

Evaluation

Why do I need to evaluate?Use is unpredictablePeople’s interests change over timeSpecialization of applications

creates a richer community

• Sample Evaluation Methods• Surveys of potential users• Surveys of current users• Usability studies

Etc.

TimeLack of controlEasy?

These challenges will be unique to each repository. They could be a large hurdle or no problem at all depending on organization, values, and infrastructure.

Benefits to Implementing Archives 2.0

Promotion of archives

Usability increasedPotential for

increase in useCan enhance value

of materialsCreation of an

online communityEasy?

These benefits often outweigh the challenges, and as this technology becomes the required level of website interactivity, archives are finding new ways to work with or overcome challenges.

Maximize BenefitsSpecializing for departments to create wikis and

other Web 2.0 tools that are essentially customizable pathfinders.For classes, departments, or projects, these

become an ever changing resource list that can be commented on by the people using those resources.

Internal use within Archives to collaborate while working on projects.Creates a log of project activity which could later

be edited to become part of a colophonUse content that is interesting and unique to

spur discussion

Final Thoughts…

Archives 2.0 is comprised of ideals that can be made a reality with the

help of Web 2.0 tools, but they also must be incorporated into the

fabric of archival processes, including cataloging, creating

finding aids, and providing reference service. Despite

challenges, Archives 2.0 ideals are the focus of current archivists who

are looking to promote and enhance the usability of the

archives.

Resources Magia Ghetu Krause and Elizabeth Yakel, “Interaction in Virtual Archives: The Polar

Bear Expedition Digital Collections Next Generation Finding Aid,” American Archivist 70 (Fall/Winter 2007) : 282-314.

Mary Samouelian, “Embracing Web 2.0: Archives and the Newest Generation of Web Applications,” American Archivist 72 (Spring/Summer 2009) : 42-71.

Elizabeth Yakel, “Inviting the User Into the Virtual Archives,” OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives 22, 3 (2006) : 159-163.

Peter Van Garderen, “Web 2.0 and Archives Access Systems,” Society of American Archivists, 2006 Annual Conference, August 5 2006. Washington, D.C. Available at http://archivemati.ca/wp-content/shockwave-flash/SAA2006.html

Peter Van Garderen, “Entries tagged as ‘Web 2.0’” archivemati.ca . Available at http://archivemati.ca/category/web-20/

Kate Theimer, “Archive for the Web 2.0 & Archives Category,” ArchivesNext. Available at http://www.archivesnext.com/?cat=25

Jessica Lacher-Feldman, Mark A. Matienzo, Jean L. Root Green, and Amy C. Schindler, “Old Stuff, New Tricks: How Archivists Are Making Special Collections Even More Special Using Web 2.0 Technologies,” AAHC/AHA 2009 Conference. Available at http://www.slideshare.net/amycsc/old-stuff-new-tricks-how-archivists-are-making-special-collections-even-more-special-using-web-20-technologies/

Ed Galloway, “ASC Implements Wiki as Management Tool,” Archives Management Roundtable Newsletter, Society of American Archivists (July, 2009) : 3-4.

Jeanne Kramer-Smyth (Chair), Camille Cloutier, Deborah Wythe, and Mark Matienzo, “Building, Managing, and Participating in Online Communities: Avoiding Culture Shock Online,” Sesson #101 at the Society of American Archivists, Austin 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Recorded August 13, 2009. Available at http://www.facebook.com/archivists

Kate Theimer (Chair), Angela McClendon Ossar, Mary E. Samouelian, and Jessica Sedgwick, “The Real Archvies 2.0: Studies of Use, Views, and Potential for Web 2.0,” Sesson #104 at the Society of American Archivists, Austin 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Recorded August 13, 2009. Available at http://www.facebook.com/archivists