Opening Pandora’s Box: What is an Archive in the Digital Environment?

Abstract

The first chapter in our third theme, ‘Archival Use and Users’, is essentially a work in progress: it gives a detailed overview of the author’s doctoral research carried out over four years, in six countries and engaging over 500 users. The chapter examines those challenges which users face when searching and using primary sources in a digital format and identifies the main problems users encounter when searching this complex archival domain. The lengthy search for a methodological framework is discussed, as is the development of a contextual model of interaction; other ongoing studies of the use of technologies to support specific aspects of the interaction process are also considered. The chapter concludes with a summary of key findings to date and an examination of how best to manage raised user expectations in the wake of search engine dominance and TV programmes like Who Do You Think You Are? .

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