Archival Preservation Research Articles

Creation and Preservation of Business History: The Selection Trust and Anglo-American Corporation Archives in Zambia's Copperbelt

Based on original archival research and oral interviews, this article examines archives creation and the preservation of the history of the multinational mining companies of Selection Trust (ST) and Anglo-American Corporation (AAC) in Zambia's Copperbelt region between 1922 and 2000. The investment of foreign capital by multinational companies in the Copperbelt mines from the 1920s, marked the genesis and formal preservation of business archives in the Copperbelt. This article argues that although the ST and ACC archives were privately owned and strictly preserved for corporate interests and administrative efficiency, these documents eventually became publicly available because of Zambia's political independence and the nationalisation of the mining industry in the 1960s. In the early 1970s, the United National Independence Party (UNIP) government nationalised the Zambian mines and merged the two multinational companies to form the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM). Consequently, in 1982, the ST and ACC archives were merged. However, following the complete privatisation of the mining industry in 2000 the identity of mining archives reverted to private entities. This article provides new and significant insights into the power and role of regional and local political-economic shifts in determining the nature and identity of business archives in Zambia.

Holding onto the past in present for the future: Conservation and preservation in Archives of India

Archives are the repositories of sources from the past, however they are also its subjects, sites and the politics of their own. An archive is a product of the forms of decisions taken by its various stakeholders, beginning from those who wrote the papers to the people (archivists) who cared, processed, curated them, to the state machinery that determine the importance of such papers, to the scholars who framed the content of the form after years of spending time with them. In a democracy, the records are the means by which the servants of the public are held accountable to the people. Records have different functions - they are memory to an organisation, tools in the hands of administration, they encapsulate eons of experience, they become source of legal rights, information, and that they merit utmost attention. The article, thus, delves into the two aspects of an archive – Poetics of the Archive i.e., rationale, politics and historical evolution of the institution; and Grammar of the Archive i.e., the methods of conservation and preservation of the records in India.

Remembering Netizens: an interview with Ronda Hauben, co-author of Netizens: on the history and impact of Usenet and the Internet (1997)

Netizens, Michael and Ronda Hauben’s foundational treatise on Usenet and the Internet, was first published in print 25 years ago. In this piece, we trace the history and impact of the book and of Usenet itself, contextualising them within the contemporary and modern-day scholarship on virtual communities, online culture, and Internet history. We discuss the Net as a tool of empowerment, and touch on the social, technical, and economic issues related to the maintenance of shared network infrastructures and to the preservation and commodification of Usenet archives. Our interview with Ronda Hauben offers a retrospective look at the development of online communities, their impact, and how they are studied. She recounts her own introduction to the online world, as well as the impetus and writing process for Netizens. She presents Michael Hauben’s conception of “netizens” as contributory citizens of the Net (rather than mere users of it) and the “electronic commons” they built up, and argues that this collaborative and collectivist model has been overwhelmed and endangered by the privatisation and commercialisation of the Internet and its communities.

The Pedagogy of Bafflement: Bernard Bailyn's History 2910, Fall 1996

The Pedagogy of Bafflement: Bernard Bailyn's History 2910, Fall 1996

Mould prevention of archive packaging based microenvironment intervention and regulation

• The importance of the library environment for archival preservation. • Mildew proof and fire proof file packaging material. • Archive storage strategies for micro-environmental interventions. • Low carbon and environmental protection storage of archives. • Mildew proof and flame retardant properties of inorganic nanomaterials. Archives, books and other cultural classics represent precious cultural wealth in every nation. However, the interaction between the paper components and external environmental factors decreases paper durability, leading to the gradual loss of paper cultural relics. This includes the impact of fungi and fire on books, documents, maps and paper works of art leading to incalculable and irreversible cultural losses. In addition, fungal metabolites induce a wide range of allergic reactions that threaten the health of library/archive professionals and users. Given this, it is urgent to explore an alternative archive storage strategy to enhance the comprehensive control of archive mould disease. The preservation environment of paper affects its preservation time and quality, and microenvironment regulation is an important approach to the preventive protection of paper cultural relics. In the present study, inorganic materials were introduced into the archive packaging box to alter the microenvironment and enhance the mould and fire prevention effect without affecting the paper performance. Archive packaging boxes have good anti-microbial effects, with a low content of carbon and nitrogen sources effectively blocking the growth and colonization of mould, creating a microenvironment blocking the growth of surrounding mould, and significantly blocking the occurrence of fire, which could effectively improve storage capabilities and staff health in libraries.

Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Book Cellulose-Based Paper (XXth Century) Treated with Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles

Paper aging and protection processes play an essential function in the preservation of library collections and archives. In this study, some physical-mechanical properties of paper samples from XXth century books (private collections), such as pH acidity, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity, as well as optical properties, such as absolute change in yellowness, were examined before and after treating them with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp). Accelerated light aging was also evaluated and discussed. The treatment with HAp nanoparticles increased the paper’s pH to slightly alkaline values (approximately pH 8). Washing and treating the paper improved its mechanical properties compared to untreated paper; the tear length increased by 35% and the modulus of elasticity increased by 56%. That the treated and aged samples are more elastic than the original samples demonstrates that HAp nanoparticles consolidated the cellulose fibers. Additionally, particle morphology, size, composition and size distribution were assessed via image analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the ImageJ processing program.

The ephemeral blink of an eye

Jean-Luc Godard’s recent films, Adieu au Langage (2014) and Le Livre d’Image (2018), seem to amplify his already known concern with making cinema from cinematographic matter itself. In cinema, historically, the clash between singularity and standardization of experience has always been present. Today, complex systems of cultural legitimation that permeate the production chain work as filters for what can be seen and preserved as an archive. This work proposes some reflections on the fleetingness of the filmic experience present in the multiple processes of circulation and preservation of archives as a material framing of memory.

Determination of the polymer composition of mid-twentieth century purses by Raman spectroscopy

A database was constructed of 134 reference plastic samples and their Raman spectra to aid in the rapid and accurate identification of the polymer composition of mid-twentieth century plastic purses and their component parts from the Plastics Artifacts Collection at Syracuse University Libraries. Work began by making and testing the database, which led to the determination that matching artifact spectra to reference sample spectra worked well for artifact spectra having signal-to-noise ratios down to 30:1. This finding allowed for using reduced laser power as necessary to protect delicate and pigmented artifacts. These studies enabled the definitive chemical identification of seven selected artifacts, showing that the majority are composed of single plastics including polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or cellulose acetate. However, it was discovered that one of the purses was composed of both poly(methyl methacrylate) and cellulose acetate. The compositions of three artifacts of unknown composition were discovered, corrections to the existing records were made for three other artifacts, and the composition of one artifact was confirmed. This decisive study will contribute to the archival processing and preservation of these artifacts.

The Preservation of Tracing Paper: A case Study of TRA Archives

Taiwan is located within a subtropical region where the preservation of tracing paper is challenging, given its susceptibility to changes in humidity. Although the National Archives Administration (NAA) currently provides a controlled environment for the repositories of the National Archive, this archive has sustained damage and deterioration due to a legacy of compromised storage and inherent fragility of its contents. Of particular interest are the collective holdings of the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC). Historically, these holdings were originally known as ‘The Railway Department of the Traffic Bureau, under the General Governor of Taiwan’, during Japanese colonial governance. This specific collection dates from 1895 to 1997 and includes over 10,000 engineering drawings. Previously, the NAA had implemented linings to both repair damage and aid in the preservation of the physical archives. However, this study compares this approach with an alternative humidification method using Gore-Tex® to relax and flatten these drawings on tracing paper. The focus of this paper is to evaluate dimensional change as a result of these treatments and to make recommendations in regards to their respective suitability for addressing the condition of the TRA collection.

Colonialism, Computerized

This article argues for the incorporation of a transdisciplinary approach to cartographic materials in archives, especially in relation to archival description and preservation. Delving into the theoretical foundations and developments in the fields of archival studies and cartography, it explores the creation of cartographic materials and focuses on their processing by archives (i.e., their appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation and the means of making them available to archival researchers). The lag between theoretical developments and practical applications is illustrated through the creation and management of the Canada Land Inventory (CLI) and Canada Geographic Information System (CGIS) materials held by Library and Archives Canada. An analysis of the creation and ongoing management of these materials highlights the role of cartography and archives in the formation of Canada as a modern colonial state and in the ongoing dispossession of Indigenous Peoples.

Taking stock of oral history archives in a village in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa: Are preservation and publishing feasible?

In South Africa, the way oral history archives of rural villagers are managed calls for attention as it can limit the inclusivity, visibility, accessibility and socio-economic development of rural communities, especially the younger generation. This article reports on a study that aimed to unpack some of the opportunities and challenges regarding the preservation and publishing of oral history archives faced by a village community in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. In addition, the study aimed to determine what the community knew about the South African legislative requirements regarding the management of oral history archives. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, grounded theory design and a constructivist paradigm. The postmodernist theory helped in gaining insight into how the principle of provenance is central when trying to understand the importance of inclusivity in the management of archives in this digital era. The 21st century is haunted by many socio-economic challenges such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), poverty, unemployment, inequality and social exclusion and giving space to the long-neglected oral history archives and counter archives or identity archives cannot be over-emphasised. In this context, such an initiative is viewed as critical in curbing the scourges of inequality, social exclusion and unemployment, particularly among the younger generation.Contribution: This article calls for the reimagining of the way oral history archives of a village are managed, preserved and published. In doing so, the use of a postmodernist approach and the provenance principle are viewed as critical in helping promote inclusivity and visibility of the long-neglected archives. The article argues that this approach may also help improve some of the socio-economic challenges faced by a village community when managing their oral history archives.

Dinamika pendidikan vokasi pembelajaran praktikum konservasi arsip di masa pandemi

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced face-to-face learning activities to change into distance learning. This paper discusses the impact of the pandemic on the learning process in the hands-on archives conservation practicum at the Archives Preservation Laboratory, Vocational School, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This paper also analyzes several perspectives across memory institutions as well as the potential and challenges through the choice of methods used to deliver the practical skills in distance learning. 
 Data Collection Method. Field observations and interviews’ data were analysed using descriptive analytics approach and contrasted with findings in the literature reviews to draw conclusions.
 Results and Discussion. The dimensions of experience and tactile skills from hands-on conservation practice require specific equipments and laboratory which cannot be fully replaced in online classes. However, the pandemic has urged the university to arrange new learning methods for laboratory-based practicum.
 Conclusion. Although distance learning prompts plenty opportunities, it remains a challenge to replace the face-to-face model of conservation practicum. There is a great urgency for the best model and media to ensure effective learning which addresses the limitations during a pandemic. It is recommended that universities collaborate with stakeholders and Libraries, Archives and Museums (LAM) institutions to improve the current online practicum scheme.

Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Management Implementation in Electronic Archives Preservation: Literature Review

Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Management Implementation in Electronic Archives Preservation: Literature Review

The secondUSpresidential social media transition: How private platforms impact the digital preservation of public records

AbstractA second presidential social media transition in the United States occurred as Joe Biden took office on January 20, 2021. In the years since Barack Obama pioneered the use of platforms like Facebook and Twitter while President, Donald Trump shaped his Presidency around the use of Twitter, primarily through a personal account created before entering politics. In this paper, we examine Donald Trump's use of Twitter during his presidency as a lens through which to understand the ongoing archival preservation and data management challenges posed by social media platforms. The blurred lines between public and private records, deleting tweets, and the preservation issues that appeared after his suspension from Twitter and other platforms following the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol all highlight an urgent, ongoing need by archivists, digital preservationists, and information scholars to consider how we might collect and manage social media records in an ever‐changing information landscape. This paper draws primarily on publicly available information from existing preservation initiatives to analyze the state of digital preservation for presidential records. Our findings highlight how both public and private entities manage and provide access to Donald Trump's tweets, pointing to broader implications for social media data preservation.

Old documents, new technologies: the preservation and valorization of the Italian astronomical archives

The historical archives of the Italian astronomical Observatories are a source of incredible treasures. They contain records of observations, sketches of astronomical objects (nebulae, comets, and planets), letters, diaries, journey logbooks, meteorological data, maps, astronomical calculations, etc. Over 3 million documents, 122 series containing the funds of various astronomers are preserved in 12 historical archives. Rearranging these records is a long and hard task comparable to solving a puzzle not knowing how the finished picture will turn out, but we certainly know that the reorganization will constitute a fundamental resource for the study of the history of astronomy. The web portal “Polvere di stelle [Stardust]: the cultural heritage of Italian astronomy” (www.beniculturali.inaf.it <www.beniculturali.inaf.it> ) contains a specific section dedicated to the historical archives. It provides a brief description of each archive and the possibility to consult the tree structure of the inventories and to make a search in all database fields. In 2018, a digitization project of selected archival documents began. The 18th century meteorological registers from Padua and the solar observations made by Pietro Tacchini and Angelo Secchi in 19th century are now available on “Polvere di stelle”. This contribution will show benefits and problems encountered in dealing this particular aspect of preservation and valorization of the astronomical heritage.

A global view on digital legal deposit: what could be learned?

Aim Procedures for legal deposit of the print material are well established and widely practiced. Such procedures, however, are not necessarily applicable to the digital environment, mainly because bibliographic specifications of print material do not match those of digital objects and digital environment. The history of legal deposit of publications in Iran goes back to 1906. Since then, the press, publishers, public and private institutions are required to deposit one or more copies of their published material to the National Library of Iran (NLIR). However, reports have always indicated incomplete deposit or lack of coherent and comprehensive policies, especially with regard to digital resources. The present study aims to propose a framework for NLIR by comparing several national libraries. Methodology This research examined the policies and practices of 10 large national libraries that according to the World atlas (2018) have been ranked the highest in terms of the number and variety of resources. They were the Library of Congress, the British Library, National Library and Archives of Canada (LAC), and national libraries of France, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Australia, Japan, and China. The data related to digital legal deposit implementation was collected from various sources including directories; official publications of international organizations, national legal deposit laws and regulations. Findings A global trend towards legal deposit to cover digital publications and preservation of comprehensive national archives is developing. In Iran, there was no mechanisms for identification, selection and deposit of digital materials either do not exist or are inappropriate for some types of publications. Conclusion National libraries and other libraries are at the forefront of research and development in the field of legal deposit. In this research, an effort was made to design and propose a framework for depositing digital material at NLIR drawing on the policies and practices of the top 10 national libraries. The proposed framework has two parts. The first includes elements such as introduction, general principles, resources comprehensiveness, legal deposit method, the origin of publications, collaboration and partnership, and legal considerations. In the second part -the plan-areas addressed in the first part are discussed in detail.

So Much to Be Angry About: Appalachian Movement Press and Radical DIY Publishing, 1969–1979

So Much to Be Angry About: Appalachian Movement Press and Radical DIY Publishing, 1969–1979

Fan binding as a method of preserving fan fiction

Efforts in fan work preservation have increased in recent years, both from fan collaboration with institutional archival collections and through fan-run digital archives. Physical archival projects aimed at fan works generally limit their scope to fanzines from the mid- to late 1900s and fandom memorabilia like fan convention programs. Digital preservation in online archives allows for more comprehensive preservation of fan fiction, but fandom's history of content loss online as a result of takedowns, shutdowns, and regulation exemplifies the risks of letting fan fiction exist solely online. Fan binding, the practice of transforming fan fiction into physical books, offers another possible method of preserving fan fiction in the long term. Renegade Bindery, a community of fan binders on the online messaging platform Discord, provides a way to study how these bound fan fictions could fit into the current framework of fan work preservation efforts. Analysis of Renegade Bindery provides insight into fan binder practices and motivations, and permits theorization of how the practice of fan binding could contribute to broader efforts to preserve fan works and fandom culture.

A Data Management Model for Intelligent Water Project Construction Based on Blockchain

The engineering construction-related data is essential for evaluating and tracing project quality in industry 4.0. Specifically, the preservation of the information is of great significance to the safety of intelligent water projects. This paper proposes a blockchain-based data management model for intelligent water projects to achieve standardization management and long-term preservation of archives. Based on studying the concrete production process in water conservancy project construction, we first build a behavioral model and the corresponding role assignment strategy to describe the standardized production process. Then, a distributed blockchain data structure for storing the production-related files is designed according to the model and strategy. In addition, to provide trust repository and transfer on the construction data, an intelligent keyless signature based on edge computing is employed to manage the data’s entry, modification, and approval. Finally, standardized and secure information is uploaded onto the blockchain to supervise intelligent water project construction quality and safety effectively. The experiments showed that the proposed model reduced the time and labor cost when generating the production data and ensured the security and traceability of the electronic archiving of the documents. Blockchain and intelligent keyless signatures jointly provide new data sharing and trading methods in intelligent water systems.

Peran Preservasi Kuratif dalam Menjamin Keselamatan dan Pelestarian Arsip Statis

This paper aims to determine the role of curative preservation in ensuring the safety and preservation of static archives. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques using library studies. The results of the study found that curative preservation plays a very important role in ensuring the safety and preservation of archives because the actions and instructions contained in it can repair and maintain archives that have started or have been damaged. So that these actions and instructions can be used as guidelines by any archival institution to repair and maintain the static archives they have.