From DigitalRhetoricCollaborative

Digital Archives

Stacks in the archives and records management department at Kennesaw State University. Image by Anne G.

A digital archive is an accumulation of historical records and other primary source information. A litany of items can be digitally archived, including but not limited to photographs, manuscripts, memoirs and data. Practically any traditionally archived object can be replicated in some digital format.

History

Curation is the process by which archived documents and items are selected, collected and arranged.

The Oxford Text Archive

The Oxford Text Archive is considered by many to be the world's oldest digital repository.

Databases

Progression

Archives offer a wealth of primary resources for innovative education.[1]"After visiting the archives, participating students were more engaged with and excited about their coursework, showed improvement in key academic skills, and achieved better course outcomes than their peers. Faculty participants learned newly-established best practices for archives-based teaching and became more thoughtful and effective instructors."