This is my final research paper for Introduction to Archives (LI809). This class introduced us to the different types, functions, and issues of archives, including the ethics and legal responsibilities of archivists, arrangement and description of collections, preservation and appraisal, and outreach and advocacy. The assignment was to investigate a "current issue for professional archivists," including a literature review. I chose to research how state archives were using Web 2.0 technologies for display, discovery, and outreach.
Technology is changing the traditional nature of archives from relatively passive repositories to more active service agencies. Web 2.0 technologies (defined as those that allow internet users to interact with the web, creating user-generated content, rather than simply viewing content provided by others) would seem to be appropriate vehicles for archives to exploit for service and increasing public awareness.
I examined each of the fifty United States state archives to determine how each was using blogs, Flickr, Facebook, and YouTube to display their collections, advertise their services, and engage the public. The paper allowed me to explore the traditional role of state archives, the implications technology has for those archives, and how the agencies were using technology to their benefit. In addition to increasing my knowledge of the foundations of the library profession, I explored a number of Web 2.0 tools and improved my knowledge of how they could be used in the library and archive environment.
Technology is changing the traditional nature of archives from relatively passive repositories to more active service agencies. Web 2.0 technologies (defined as those that allow internet users to interact with the web, creating user-generated content, rather than simply viewing content provided by others) would seem to be appropriate vehicles for archives to exploit for service and increasing public awareness.
I examined each of the fifty United States state archives to determine how each was using blogs, Flickr, Facebook, and YouTube to display their collections, advertise their services, and engage the public. The paper allowed me to explore the traditional role of state archives, the implications technology has for those archives, and how the agencies were using technology to their benefit. In addition to increasing my knowledge of the foundations of the library profession, I explored a number of Web 2.0 tools and improved my knowledge of how they could be used in the library and archive environment.