Building a Future for the Past - The Sustainability of Digital Archiving Processes in Audio-Visual Cultural Heritage Organizations

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore both theoretical and practical implications of sustainable digital archiving processes in organizational contexts. First, the theoretical discourse on digital archiving and digital sustainability is examined. In the scope of this theoretical assessment, the transforming role of archives in digital culture is discussed. Furthermore, four major factors that affect digital sustainability are identified: technical, social and economic factors, as well as the incorporation of user considerations. To incorporate a practical outlook, the theoretical framework is complemented by an ethnographic single-case study. Applying participant observation and document analysis as data collection methods, a practical digital archiving project of an audio-visual cultural heritage organization is investigated. To analyze the evidence that was collected for this investigation, a qualitative content analysis based on Mayring serves as the method for data analysis. The research approaches the complex interrelations and interdependencies within digital archiving processes to find out, how digital sustainability is manifested within a practical project. All in all, sustainable digital archiving requires both an appropriate technological infrastructure and an ongoing, systematic management of digital records as well as a secured, sufficient plan for funding. Furthermore, a thorough knowledge management system, which includes instructions for all workflows of the digital archiving process, can support a sustainable organizational infrastructure, while considerations of diverse user expectations and requirements become more and more relevant as well.