Digital Archives Research Articles

Unraveling Indonesian heritage through pattern recognition using YOLOv5

This research focuses on three iconic Indonesian batik patterns-Kawung, Mega Mendung, and Parang-due to their cultural significance and recognition. Kawung symbolizes harmony, Mega Mendung represents power, and Parang signifies protection and spiritual power. Using the YOLOv5 deep learning model, the study aimed to accurately identify these patterns. Results showed mean average precision (mAP) scores of 77% for Kawung, 80% for Parang, and an impressive 99% for Mega Mendung. The highest precision results were 91% for Kawung, 88% for Parang, and 77% for Mega Mendung. These findings highlight the potential of pattern recognition in preserving cultural heritage. Understanding these designs contributes to the appreciation of Indonesia s culture. The research suggests applications in cultural studies, digital archiving, and the textile industry, ensuring the legacy of these patterns endures.

Transforming library systems in Africa: advancing literacy and cultural preservation through digital innovation

Transforming library systems in Africa is essential for advancing literacy and preserving cultural heritage in an increasingly digital world. The integration of digital innovation into African libraries has the potential to revolutionize access to information, promote lifelong learning, and safeguard indigenous knowledge. This review explores the role of modern technologies, such as digital archiving, e-libraries, and mobile platforms, in enhancing literacy rates and preserving Africa's rich cultural traditions. By transitioning from traditional, print-based models to digital systems, libraries can bridge the educational gap in underserved communities, offering wider access to educational resources and promoting literacy at all levels. Additionally, digitization facilitates the preservation of local languages, oral histories, and cultural artifacts, ensuring that future generations can engage with Africa's diverse heritage. The challenges of digital transformation in African library systems, including limited infrastructure, funding, and digital literacy, are also discussed. The review emphasizes the need for strategic investments in technology, capacity building, and policy frameworks to create a sustainable digital ecosystem. By harnessing digital innovation, African libraries can evolve into dynamic centers of learning and cultural preservation, contributing to both socio-economic development and the protection of African identities. This transformation is critical to fostering a more educated, culturally aware, and globally connected African society.

Impressos periódicos e escrita da história

The printed periodicals attract the attention of a highly diversified array of scholars, owing to the myriad possibilities they offer as sources of information and/or subjects of research. The aim of this article is to discuss the challenges posed by the utilization of this type of source for historical writing in the current context, characterized by the availability of vast quantities of titles in digital format. The discussion begins with the systematization of a set of procedures and methods already well-established concerning the use of such sources, followed by an exploration of the potential impacts of digital newspaper archives on historiographical practice. The shifts in terms of conception and execution of research invite critical reflection on the new analytical possibilities brought about by the transition from analog to digital.

Faster extraction of matrimonial advertisements from digital archives using a signal processing pipeline: a case study on a 20th-Century Spanish newspaper

ABSTRACT With the exponential growth of digitized historical materials, historians and social scientists face the daunting task of navigating vast online collections. While online archives do provide search tools to query their materials, these usually do not meet the scholars’ need to trace and store all relevant materials from the online archive. This case study shows how computer vision methods, and more specifically a signal processing approach, can be used to identify, classify and extract relevant information items from a vast historical data collection. More specifically, this study reports the results of the construction of a data pipeline that extracts matrimonial advertisements from the digitized Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia. Matrimonial advertisements can provide genuine insights into the evolution of partner preferences over time, but they are hard to collect as they are scattered over millions of digitized historical newspapers and magazines. Moreover, to study variation in partner preferences by, for example, sex, social class, matrimonial status and time period, it is necessary to store the data into a database. The pipeline that we have constructed extracts matrimonial advertisements in a stepwise fashion, encompassing identification, through binarisation and segmentation, and classification based on Optical Character Recognition. By ways of a comprehensive evaluation, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the efficacy of the pipeline for the extraction of matrimonial advertisements is demonstrated. The findings not only underscore the viability of the signal processing approach but also underscore its potential for advancing research in historical demography, family history, as well as economic history, as similar pipelines can be set up to extract other relevant newspaper items, such as, marriage, birth, death and moving announcements, job vacancies or business announcements from digitized source collections.

Historical insights at scale: A corpus-wide machine learning analysis of early modern astronomic tables.

Understanding the evolution and dissemination of human knowledge over time faces challenges due to the abundance of historical materials and limited specialist resources. However, the digitization of historical archives presents an opportunity for AI-supported analysis. This study advances historical analysis by using an atomization-recomposition method that relies on unsupervised machine learning and explainable AI techniques. Focusing on the "Sacrobosco Collection," consisting of 359 early modern printed editions of astronomy textbooks from European universities (1472-1650), totaling 76,000 pages, our analysis uncovers temporal and geographic patterns in knowledge transformation. We highlight the relevant role of astronomy textbooks in shaping a unified mathematical culture, driven by competition among educational institutions and market dynamics. This approach deepens our understanding by grounding insights in historical context, integrating with traditional methodologies. Case studies illustrate how communities embraced scientific advancements, reshaping astronomic and geographical views and exploring scientific roots amidst a changing world.

Developing smart archives in society 5.0: Leveraging artificial intelligence for managing audiovisual archives in Africa

In the age of Society 5.0, marked by the profound integration of digital technologies and human society, the preservation and management of audiovisual archives in Africa face substantial challenges. The application of artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in the establishment of digital archives in the society 5.0. The exponential growth of digital content, combined with the continent's diverse cultural landscape, presents complex obstacles to conventional archival practices. Without the effective implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, crucial aspects such as curation, accessibility and sustainable management of audiovisual archives in Africa remain hindered. Thus, the overarching problem under scrutiny pertains to how the establishment of intelligent archives, facilitated by AI, can offer innovative solutions for preserving and managing audiovisual archives in Africa, within the overarching framework of Society 5.0. This approach has the potential to significantly contribute to safeguarding Africa's rich cultural heritage and advancing research, education and cultural exchange. The purpose of this paper will be to focus on the challenges encountered by selected African countries, such as the ESARBICA countries and those that undertake environmental conservation projects, in managing their audiovisual collections and what can be done to facilitate AI. It resulted in the formulation of a framework for implementing smart archives using AI in African contexts, emphasizing practical strategies and best practices. A qualitative approach enabled a nuanced understanding of complex dynamics at play. Through the observation of AI integration processes, by means of desktop analyses of websites of African national archives and online interest groups showcasing nature conservation projects and initiatives, this article aims to capture a comprehensive picture of the current landscape and future possibilities.

Digital Archives for Academic Heritage: Tools and Processing Environments for the Museum Metaverse and Scientific Dissemination

Abstract. In recent years the digital visualisation techniques, including 3D digital models of indoor spaces, saw an exponential increase in their applications, both in the fields of Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) and of Cultural Heritage (CH). This growth is mainly due to the increasing affordability of tools for the acquisition and elaboration of three-dimensional digital survey/data management and to their increasing ‘user friendliness’.The research proposes a further step on research started some years ago by our group about the exploration of indoor mapping for the creation of the 3D virtual museum of our Institution, starting with the realisation of a virtual model of the university’s spaces (departments and halls). At first, the virtual museum will host the Curioni Digital Collection, which consist of circa 140 wooden models of building details, bridges, tunnels, and vaults designed by prof. G. Curioni during the second half of the XIX century as teaching aids for the Construction and Structural Design classes. A comparison between two main tools to support management and diffusion of geometrical, alphanumerical, and topological data will be given (Matterport and Unity). The parallel approach considering two tools is to provide a digital twin of a real collection placed in a real space, and, on the other hand, to use a real historical university space, virtualized, to host a virtual collection.

Harmonious Heritage through the Qualitative Analysis of Northeast Folk Songs in the Evolution of Northeast Drum

This study explores the artistic and cultural significance of the Northeast Drum (Jianban), a traditional Chinese folk art characterized by its unique blend of narrative storytelling, rhythmic musical accompaniment, and audience interaction. The research focuses on the contributions of Liu Guiying, a renowned provincial representative inheritor of the Northeast Drum, and her innovative techniques that have revitalized this art form. Through qualitative methods, including interviews and participant observations, the study examines the structure and themes of Northeast Drum performances, the role of improvisation, and the integration of Northeast folk songs. The findings highlight the dynamic nature of these performances and their cultural resonance within the community. The study also discusses the challenges and opportunities in preserving this intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of educational programs, digital archiving, and cultural policies. Recommendations for future research include comparative studies, the impact of modern technology, audience dynamics, and longitudinal studies on preservation efforts. This research contributes to the understanding and sustainable development of the Northeast Drum, ensuring its relevance for future generations.

The British Digital Press Archive as a source on the history of the collective memory of the First World War participants in the interwar period

Importance. The 110th anniversary of the First World War outbreak awakens in the public and scientific community not only discussions about the causes of the conflict, but also forces us to turn to the legacy of this process. In this regard, the work actualizes the theme of historical memory of the “Great War”. The purpose of the study is to reflect the complex of the legacy of the First World War in Great Britain in the 1930s by referring to the British Newspaper Archive.Materials and Methods. For the analysis of historical memory in the Great Britain, memoirs, monumental art, works of cinema, music, and many others are often involved. Methods of working with the British newspaper Archive are considered and, based on a specific historical method, we will reflect the perception of the First World War in British society and the situation of veterans in the 1930s. The method of quantitative content analysis is used. The necessary database of source material is selected by keywords, then the selected sources are grouped according to a certain topic. Memoirs, monumental art, works of cinema, music and much more are often used to analyze historical memory in Great Britain. In this work, we will look at the techniques of working with the British Newspaper Archive and, based on a specific historical method, reflect the perception of the First World War in British society and the situation of veterans in the 1930s. Due to the free access to a huge mass of English-language sources, this digital archive is of interest to researchers. The work uses the method of quantitative content analysis.Results and Discussion. During the study of press materials, it can be stated that the following agenda has been identified in the historical memory and legacy of the First World War in Great Britain in the 1930s: 1) the presence of narratives reflecting the pride of British society for the heroism of soldiers and sorrow for the many sacrifices they made in the name of victory in the war; 2) despite the discussions’ existence about the frontline brotherhood during the war period, after the war, veterans rallied into unions and organizations engaged in a wide variety of support (from mediation when applying for a job to appeals to the authorities about pension provision).Conclusion. Thus, despite the apparent immensity of the digital database of the British Newspaper Archive, the application of the well-known methodological principle of “Occam’s razor” makes it possible to compile a corpus of sources that meet the purpose of the study. Immersion in the press materials themselves allows the researcher to immerse himself more in the socio-cultural context of Great Britain in the 1930s. Due to the complexity of the information from the studied sources.

Digital Transformation for Cultural Sustainability: The Bolshoi Theatre Experience

This paper studies the Bolshoi Theatre's digital transformation in cultural sustainability, focusing on innovation management and technology utilization, explores the critical need for cultural institutions to overcome hurdles and capitalize on opportunities provided by modern technologies, investigates the Bolshoi Theatres strategic ways of managing its digital transformation while preserving and improving its cultural history, its historical relevance and its digital projects, to reveal managerial obstacles, opportunities, and deep influences on both internal techniques and audience reviews. Key findings highlight the transformative significance of innovation management in changing market involvement via virtual performances, virtual reality reviews, and augmented reality programs. The study also emphasizes the need for knowing usage, as indicated by creating a centralized digital archive and combining device learning algorithms for customized target market interactions. This research contributes insights into managing cultural institutions in the digital age, with broader implications for strategic use of digital technology in cultural management.

Fairness and Biases in AI Algorithms and Interfaces

This workshop will explore various biases embedded in AI algorithms and interfaces across online platforms, including digital archives and libraries, social media, search engines, and AI-powered services like ChatGPT. Participants will critically engage with issues surrounding information credibility, transparency in content selection and appraisal, the accuracy and integrity in representation, and the intricate dynamics of information authority, format, and editorial oversight. The workshop aims to equip participants with practical strategies to identify, assess, and address biases inherent in various media, empowering them to navigate and evaluate online information across platforms with informed judgment. The workshop will begin with a 10-minute introduction, welcoming participants and outlining the goals of the session. The workshop will kick off with an interactive introductory lecture focused on various potential biases in AI algorithms. The first part, which will last about 10 to 20 minutes, will address recognizing biases in social media. Participants will analyze these biases by identifying fake news in provided articles and reflecting on their own everyday information practices on social media. After this informative segment, participants will engage in hands-on workshops aimed at applying their knowledge to recognize the types of biases they may encounter during their online information-seeking activities. They will participate in hands-on activities lasting 20 to 30 minutes, using different online tools to help identify such biases. Following the interactive hands-on workshops, participants will have the opportunity to share their insights and findings regarding the biases they discovered. The second section, which will explore biases in digital archives, digital libraries, and search engines through case studies, will last approximately one hour. It will include a 40-minute lecture that covers different types of biases in digital archives, libraries, and search engines, illustrated through case studies. After the lecture, participants will reflect on the biases presented for 10 minutes in a group discussion, sharing their thoughts and insights. Following participants' reflections on these biases, the last part of the session will focus on potential biases in ChatGPT. It will begin with a 30-minute lecture on how ChatGPT generates responses, emphasizing potential biases that could arise at each layer or step of the process. By examining a step-by-step analysis of how ChatGPT generates its answers, participants will deepen their understanding of the biases and errors inherent in the information generated by ChatGPT and its complex operational dynamics. Following this lecture, participants will engage in discussion for 20 minutes, working in small groups to identify biases and discussing necessary educational changes for themselves and their students. The workshop will conclude with a final reflection, where participants will share insights gained throughout the session and discuss how to apply their learning moving forward. The workshop will be wrapped up in a brief 10-minute summary of key points, encouraging participants to implement the strategies discussed in their own information evaluation practices. This workshop is designed for beginner-level students and researchers, as well as those interested in incorporating critical digital literacy principles into their teaching. It is open to people with diverse backgrounds and levels of expertise. No prior knowledge is required, allowing participants to embark on their learning journey with a fresh perspective and receptive attitude. The goal of this workshop is to enhance critical thinking skills related to the credibility of information while unpacking the complexities of information curation, representation, and editorial control in today's intricate digital landscape. Participants will gain a more nuanced understanding of how information is selected, represented, and potentially biased across various platforms, including social media, digital archives and libraries, search engines, and AI-powered services like ChatGPT. Through this workshop, participants will learn to effectively navigate the complexities of their information practices and develop the ability to critically assess the credibility of the online information they consume. Through engaging lectures and hands-on activities, participants will learn to identify and evaluate the inherent biases present in various media channels. They will explore practical strategies for assessing the credibility of information, recognizing potential mis/disinformation, and critically analyzing the content they encounter in their everyday information-seeking activities. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the necessary tools to navigate the digital information landscape safely and effectively, empowering them to make informed decisions not only for themselves but also in guiding others, such as children, students, or peers, in developing their own critical digital media literacy skills. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance participants’ ability to engage thoughtfully with information, ultimately fostering a more informed and critically aware community.

Digital Language Archiving: Reuse and Adaptation of Non-LIS Learning Materials in LIS Education

As a digital repository type that is gaining prominence, language archives are in need of information professionals to maintain and provide access to. Yet, awareness of digital language archives among the US LAM professionals and educators is currently low. Our project’s analysis of available relevant training materials for linguists and community members informed development of a graduate course that prepares LAM professionals to effective and ethical stewardship of digital language archives. This paper provides a brief literature review of the latest relevant research and publications. Next, results of examination of three sources of language archiving learning materials are presented and discussed. This discussion’s focus is on the ideas for reuse and adaptation of these materials in LAM education and on implementation of some of these ideas in our project-developed course at the University of North Texas.

Digital Language Archiving: Reuse and Adaptation of Non-LIS Learning Materials in LIS Education

As a digital repository type that is gaining prominence, language archives are in need of information professionals to maintain and provide access to. Yet, awareness of digital language archives among the US LAM professionals and educators is currently low. Our project’s analysis of available relevant training materials for linguists and community members informed development of a graduate course that prepares LAM professionals for effective and ethical stewardship of digital language archives. In this paper, following a brief literature review of the latest relevant research and publications, results of examination of three major sources of language archiving learning materials are presented and discussed. This discussion’s focus is on the ideas for reuse and adaptation of these materials in LIS education and on implementation of some of these ideas in our project-developed course at the University of North Texas.

Digital Language Archiving: Reuse and Adaptation of Non-LIS Learning Materials in LIS Education

As a digital repository type of growing prominence, language archives need qualified information professionals to maintain and provide access to their rich collections. Yet, awareness of digital language archives among the US LIS professionals and educators is currently low. Our project’s analysis of available relevant training materials for linguists and community members informed the development of a graduate course that prepares LIS professionals for effective and ethical stewardship of digital language archives. In this paper, following a brief literature review of the latest relevant research and publications, results of examination of three major sources of language archiving learning materials are presented and discussed. This discussion’s focus is on the ideas for reuse and adaptation of these materials in LIS education and on implementation of some of these ideas in our project-developed course at the University of North Texas.

Documenting the War: American Library Community Supports Ukrainian Colleagues

This project shares experiences of a multi-institutional team of library scholars to document the crimes of Russo-Ukrainian war. It highlights construction of a community archive of Ukrainian libraries affected by the war. The project employs participatory archiving with the Ukrainian partners engaged in collection, appraisal, and description and the U.S. researchers create platforms to preserve, classify and disseminate the knowledge, via digital archive in two languages. The project brings experiences of the war to American audience seeking to end the war and prevent future violence.

Developing Graduate Curriculum for Digital Language Archive Stewardship

Our interdisciplinary team including information and language scholars and educators and practicing information professionals at University of North Texas (UNT) and Indiana University (IU) is developing an evidence-based practice-oriented online curriculum to train library, archives, and museums (LAM) professionals in the archiving, curation, and ethical dissemination of resources that provide the means to revitalize community memory and language. During this 2-year project, over 30 LAM students will complete the project-developed UNT graduate course INFO 5385 Community Language Archiving and Curation for Information Professionals, and additional estimated 100 students at UNT and IU will complete individual project-developed learning modules integrated into other courses. Development of the learning materials is informed by digital language archive practices, research, and existing training materials for archive depositors. Resulting open-access adaptable learning resources are expected to be widely used by academic programs and educators for training LAM students and by participatory archives as continuing education resources.

ARCHIVES COMMUNICATION: MUTATIONS OF A FUNCTION

Objective: The objective of this article is to examine the evolving communication function of archives in the context of new information and communication technologies. It aims to identify the impact of digitalization on archival practices, focusing on how these changes enhance the accessibility and usability of archival materials for the public and researchers. By exploring the emerging practices of archivists and their role in facilitating effective communication, this article seeks to highlight the significance of communication in the archival profession and to provide insights into the best practices for ensuring a positive user experience in the consultation of archival documents. Theoretical Framework: This article explores the communication of archives in the digital age, focusing on communication theory, digital archive science, user-centered design, social constructivism, and information behavior. It emphasizes the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts, user needs, and information behavior to design effective communication strategies. Method: This article uses a qualitative research approach to examine the evolving communication function of archives in the context of digital technologies. It uses literature review, case studies, interviews with archivists, user surveys, and content analysis to understand the impact of digitalization on archives and identify best practices for archivists. Results and Discussion: The literature review, case studies, interviews, user surveys, and content analysis reveal a significant shift in archival practices towards digital communication. Key themes include accessibility, user engagement, and the role of digital technologies in transforming traditional functions. Successful examples include digitization of collections, innovative outreach strategies, and collaborations between archivists and technology experts. Key themes include a user-centered approach, balancing digital and traditional practices, ongoing training, and collaboration between archivists, technology professionals, and user communities. Research Implications: This study highlights the need for further research in archival science and communication to explore digital practices, user experience, collaboration models, social media's impact, training for archivists, ethical considerations, and long-term impact on research outcomes. It emphasizes the need for in-depth studies on user experience, collaboration models, social media's role, and the impact of training on professional development and broader societal impact. Originality/Value: This article explores the evolving communication function of archives in response to digital advancements. It integrates theoretical frameworks with practical insights from case studies, interviews, and user surveys. The research emphasizes user-centered approaches, empirical evidence, and best practices for archivists. It contributes to ongoing discourse on the future of archives and raises ethical considerations, addressing challenges faced by archivists.

Digital group archives in residential childcare: an investigation into memory responsibility

This article discusses phase two of the ARCH project (Archiving Residential Children’s Homes), and in particular, the development of a co-designed ‘digital archive’ that stores everyday, shared events and experiences for care experienced young people who live in residential children’s homes. We present research with young people living in residential care, care workers and care experienced adults about the types of everyday information or records they would like to be able to store, share and access in the future. There was a desire for the digital archive to have a different feel and purpose to content recorded in individual case files, with easy access to the archive deemed important. There were mixed views about the representation of events and experiences and whether these should contain mainly ‘light-hearted’ events and experiences. Our research gives an insight into memory-keeping practices within a residential children’s home and invites questions about whose responsibility it is for gathering, filtering and treasuring childhood experiences.

Integrating Jun Porcelain Culture into Modern Information Management Systems: A Study on Expanding Cultural Diplomacy Through Innovative Symbol Reconstruction and Digital Communication Techniques

This study explores the relationships between Jun porcelain cultural heritage, modern information management systems, and cultural diplomacy in the digital age. The purpose is to understand how these variables intersect and influence contemporary cultural dynamics, shedding light on the complexities of tradition, innovation, and technology in shaping cultural practices and identities. Through qualitative interviews with 13 experts from cultural institutions, information management professions, and diplomatic spheres, and a comprehensive literature review encompassing databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, this research seeks to elucidate how these variables intersect and influence contemporary cultural dynamics. The choice of qualitative interviews and literature review was made to provide a nuanced understanding of Jun porcelain cultural heritage, information management systems, and cultural diplomacy, leveraging the strengths of qualitative inquiry in capturing rich insights and contextual nuances. These methods offer advantages in uncovering the multifaceted nature of cultural practices, identifying key themes and patterns, and providing new insights into the dynamics of cultural heritage preservation, communication, and diplomatic exchange. The qualitative interviews and literature review revealed several key insights into the relationships between Jun porcelain cultural heritage, modern information management systems, and cultural diplomacy. Themes such as democratization of cultural access, digital inequalities, and cross-cultural dialogue emerged from the analysis, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play. The study builds upon existing research by offering nuanced perspectives on the intersections between tradition, innovation, and technology in shaping cultural practices and identities in the digital age. This research provides recommendations for cultural institutions, policymakers, and information professionals, including developing ethical frameworks for digital preservation, promoting inclusive cultural access, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through digital diplomacy. Future studies should explore social media's impact on cultural diplomacy, the role of digital archives in preserving intangible cultural heritage, and emerging technologies' implications on cultural heritage interpretation. These efforts will advance understanding in cultural heritage preservation and information management in the digital age.

But I Do Not ♥ Genocide

Abstract A short and personal reflection on “liking” Instagram posts during the early months of the genocide in Gaza that addresses the platform limitations of social media. While the reasons for “liking” posts include attempting to inform the algorithm, combat shadow-banning, build a (limited) digital archive, and communicate support, doing so also demonstrates the built-in constraints of tech-platforms, shortcomings of digital resistance, and the inability to stop the violence.