The nature of websites and the rapidly developing technology associated with them has posed challenges to the archival community, generating a great deal of discussion and numerous studies.
This professional dialog is essential to the best possible preservation of digital records of enduring value published on what is proving to be a critical communication medium. The documented lack of persistence of objects on the Web serves to underline the urgency of this issue within the archival community.
At the Smithsonian Institution Archives
SI Archives is actively archiving all Smithsonian public websites and selected internal websites. The treatment of the websites vary from single complex objects, usually permanent records, to groups of records with different retention periods. The technology addressed includes web content management based websites, dynamic elements, database-driven content, and older static data formats. The websites are preserved in a manner which makes access possible for researchers who lack webmaster skills while following digital best practices.
After initially studying the issue of archiving websites with the help of Dr. Charles Dollar and others, the Archives completed a feasibility study in 2003. The study explored best practices and strategies for the preservation of websites composed of static elements. Originally intended as a pilot project, the study revealed a pressing need to address other, increasingly popular web content as well. The reports issued included:
The pilot project produced a wealth of information and hard-won strategies for preserving these complex digital objects. The Hirshhorn Musuem and Sculpture Garden website (2004) [#04-095] the SI Archives website (2004) [#03-105], and the Smithsonian Tropcial Research Institute website (1996) [#05-032] have completed the preservation and accessioning processes. We are currently working on the several websites including The Smithsonian Associates (eight subdomains), the National Zoological Park, and the Freer and Sackler Galleries. Details on lessons learned and strategies for preserving different formats are available by contacting the Information Technology Archivist.
One aspect of this effort should be noted, as it simplified a great many rights management issues typically faced by other archives when dealing with websites. SI Archives' mandate for records is limited to Smithsonian records. The Smithsonian Institution copyright protection includes content of all public Smithsonian websites. Links to content on an external domaisn were preserved and documented. The external content itself was not accessioned as part of a Smithsonian website record series.
