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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

A database is an organized, curated collection of data [1].

Educational Resources

Archives offer a wealth of primary resources for innovative education [2]. When working with archives for research in their coursework and projects, "participating students [are] more engaged with and excited about their coursework, sho[w] improvement in key academic skills, and achiev[e] better course outcomes than their peers." Professors and faculty members, in learning newly-established practices for teaching with primary resources, become "more thoughtful and effective instructors."