Web archiving in a Web 2.0 world
| Pages | 831-836 |
| Date | 02 October 2009 |
| Published date | 02 October 2009 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470910998542 |
| Author | Edgar Crook |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Web archiving in a Web 2.0 world
Edgar Crook
Web Archiving & Digital Preservation Branch, National Library of Australia,
Canberra, Australia
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of web archiving in Australia, and
how libraries are adapting their services in recognition of the expanding role that online material plays
in their collections.
Design/methodology/approach – The National Library of Australia is the lead institution for
digital archiving and preservation in Australia. Its PANDORA Archive has been the repository for
archived web resources in Australia for over ten years and is a mature but continually developing
system. The archival management system PANDAS that underpins the Archive, is as of 2007, in its
third major revision. Other web archiving activities also now include annual Australian Domain
Harvests and the usage of Archive-It, both of which are conducted in conjunction with the Internet
Archive.
Findings – For many years it was considered that archiving could only ever completely capture a
small, albeit representative, sample of the internet. Today the gap between what is available and what
can be archived is decreasing. But as our archives and our archiving abilities increase, we are still
confronted by new technologies and Web 2.0 applications.
Originality/value – Using as an example the 2007 Federal Election in which a large number of
interactive sites such as Kevin07, MySpace and YouTube were archived the paper shows how
Australian web archivers continue to adapt to and meet new challenges.
Keywords Archives management,Worldwide web, Australia
Paper type General review
Introduction
This paper discusses web archiving in Australia, as the National Library of Australia
is the lead player in this field and the author works within it, it will have a strong
emphasis on what is happening in that institution. In saying this I would also like to
acknowledge that there are other web archiving projects in Australia such as
Tasmania’s Our Digital Island (http://odi.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/) or here in the
Northern Territory the Territory Stories (www.territorystories.nt.gov.au/) service. The
National Library currently undertakes web archiving using three different
methodologies. Selective archiving within PANDORA – Australia’s web archive,
and in conjunction with the Internet Archive contracted whole domain harvesting and
utilisation of their Archive-IT service. In this way we are working towards creating a
comprehensive collection of Australian on line publications. However, as new
technological challenges arise the Library has to continue to adapt and plan for the
future, amending its collection scope and forging new partnerships to continue this
important work.
Three archiving methodologies
The PANDORA Archive (http://pandora.nla.gov.au) has been archiving Australian
web publications since 1996. In that time it has established itself as an internation ally
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Web archiving in
a Web 2.0 world
831
Received 26 December 2008
Revised 26 January 2009
Accepted 26 January 2009
The Electronic Library
Vol. 27 No. 5, 2009
pp. 831-836
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470910998542
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