Like all institutions, archives have broken into the digital age and are creating programs to reach new audiences through digital platforms. The digitization of thousands of archives and collections, has allowed for researchers to conduct archival research without the cost of extensive travel. With mapping technology, organizations like the Greater Philadelphia GeoHistory Network, can provide and interactive experience for researchers to understand the evolution of the landscape of Philadelphia. As technology evolves and the expectations of our audiences changes, archives are creating programing with technology in mind. In many instances the use of digital technologies can broaden an institution's audience, and create a new experience for their usual audience. However, too much flashy technology can hinder accessibility for our audiences.
The National Archives created the National Archives Experience:Digital Vaults, in 2008. This tool is intended for the National Archives to better serve its current audience, and to provide an access to a more globalized audience. The Digital Vaults is a collections of over one thousand digitized items from their Washington D.C. collections. These items include documents, correspondence, photographs, and even images of three dimensional items (such as helmets, and furniture). This technology is touted as a great resource for students and teachers working on National History Day projects. [1]
Although the intentions of this digital exhibit are noble, when I explored the site I became overwhelmed by the shear amount of material to access. The intention of the Digital Vault is to allow for a personalized search through the collections by providing a randomized grouping of items that can link the researcher to related items, but instead I felt confusion as I clicked a photo of Albert Einstein and was directed to a new grouping where the items were about New Jersey. Unfortunately, with a lack of instruction and limited time to completely delve into this source, I found it just too flashy and confusing of a collections experience. The Digital Vault is heading in a great direction towards providing a free archival research tool for schools and global audiences, but the use of excess technology distract viewers from the true value of the content in this archive.
[1] http://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2008/nr08-108.html
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