Abstract
This article demonstrates how a digital newspaper archive such as Delpher offers new possibilities to do justice to the value of newspaper advertisements when conducting historical research. A case study into the way advertisements tried to cater to youngsters in portable radio advertisements (1950-1969) will illuminate how distant, semi-distant, and close reading can further historical enquiry. This case study, at the same time, reveals a major shortcoming of these digitized advertisements, namely the way they are currently indexed – classified advertisements in particular. The article offers two computational approaches that will result in a more fine-grained indexation, and urges the National Library of the Netherlands to experiment with these approaches as well as with crowd sourcing. Only after these measures have been taken will researchers be able to use the full potential of advertisements on Delpher’s newspapers.
Highlights
Over the last decades, several studies have highlighted the value of historical advertisement for cultural-historical research.[1]
A case study into the way advertisements tried to cater to youngsters in portable radio advertisements (1950-1969) will illuminate how distant, semi-distant, and close reading can further historical enquiry
Trtovac and Dakic underline that newspaper advertisements should not be overlooked, for ‘the information contained in advertisements [...] fully reflects the spirit of the past, [as it] indicates development of certain industries, and covers all aspects of cultural and social life [...]’
Summary
Several studies have highlighted the value of historical advertisement for cultural-historical research.[1]. This article demonstrates how a digital newspaper archive such as Delpher offers new possibilities to do justice to the value of newspaper advertisements when conducting historical research.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
