Hello archivists! Please consider filling out this survey. Apologies for cross-posting.
You are invited to participate in a research study examining the proliferation of digital content within archives and understand how archivists approach its management – internally and for public access. At various types of libraries, archives, museums, and other collecting institutions, digital archival material frequently resides in "dark archives," i.e., sequestered electronic repositories with limited internal and external access beyond the designated custodian. As a common default strategy or method employed by archives to manage voluminous digital archival content, the use of dark archives presents numerous challenges for digital preservation, asset migration, workload management, transparency, and the commitment to access. This study aims to gather insights from archivists on their digital archives management practices and their attitudes toward the dark archives model in administering digital collections.
Survey Details
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Estimated time: 10 minutes
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Format: Online Questionnaire
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Security: All identifying information about respondents will be removed and data kept in a secure online repository. De-identified data may be shared with other researchers. Respondents will not be told specific details about these future research studies.
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Eligibility: You manage digital content at your archives. You must also be 18 years or older to complete the survey.
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Survey Period: Thursday May 1, 2025 through Sunday June 1, 2025.
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Researchers: Brad Wiles (Associate Professor and Head of Special Collections and Archives, NIU Libraries, Northern Illinois University) and Donald Force (Associate Professor, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)
Click here to access the survey. For questions about the study or issues completing the survey, please contact Brad Wiles at bwiles@niu.edu.
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Bradley Wiles
Associate Professor
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb IL
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