Information Tools of Genealogical Research in the Archives of Ukraine

Abstract

The problem statement. The introduction and widespread use of the latest technologies for storing and disseminating information, which significantly improves the quality and efficiency of archivists, provides the fastest access to the archives of ordinary citizens and researchers from around the world is an urgent task in archiving.
 The purpose of the research is to analyze the theoretical developments of the leading specialists of archival affairs of Ukraine on the latest trends in the introduction of digitization tools in domestic archives in the context of genealogical research.
 The methodology. The methodological basis of the study were general scientific principles (complexity, systematics and comprehensiveness of knowledge) and general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization). The leading role was played by source studies methods (critical, heuristic), the application of which made it possible to identify the information possibilities of sources and comprehensively process materials.
 The results. Analysis of research on the formation, development and implementation of information technology as an effective tool in the archival field in general and genealogical research in archives in particular, shows the significant achievements of domestic scientists in studying this issue. Thanks to the active development and introduction of information technology, new opportunities are emerging to learn about one’s origins and history. It is information technology and general digitalization that enable the average Ukrainian to find all the information about their ancestors without leaving home 24/7.
 The scientific novelty. Theoretical developments of the leading specialists of archival affairs of Ukraine on the latest trends in the introduction of digitization tools in domestic archives in the context of genealogical research are analyzed. We divided the total source base of the chosen research topic into three groups. The first group includes regulations on the archives of Ukraine: the Constitution of Ukraine; laws of Ukraine relating to archives; organizational and administrative documents in the field of record keeping and archiving. The second group includes scientific publications on certain topics in archival science and archival affairs, source studies: dissertations and dissertation abstracts; monographs; textbooks and manuals; scientific articles; materials of scientific, scientific-practical conferences; dictionaries, etc. The third group consisted of information resources in the field of genealogy.
 Conclusions. The rapid introduction of information technology, the development of the electronic environment as an integral part of the innovative development of the state, encourages archival institutions to modernize while studying, mastering and adapting to the Ukrainian realities of world experience. The generally accepted guidelines of the information society are the introduction of computer and telecommunication technologies, the development of information interaction on this basis at all levels of communication (from international to regional), which will further lead to the formation of a single effective national information space.