Evaluating Digital Archiving Practices in National Historical Societies

Thesis Abstract

Digital archiving has become an essential component of preserving national historical records amid increasing digital transformation, yet many national historical societies face challenges in implementing effective and sustainable digital archiving practices. This study aims to evaluate the current digital archiving practices within national historical societies, with a focus on assessing their adequacy, efficiency, and alignment with international standards. The specific objectives include identifying the key elements of digital archiving strategies employed by these societies, examining the technological tools and metadata standards used, evaluating staff competencies and training programs, and exploring the influence of organizational policies on archiving outcomes. The research adopts a mixed-methods design, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to achieve a comprehensive analysis. The primary data collection instruments include structured questionnaires distributed to 150 archival professionals across five prominent national historical societies, complemented by in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 key informants from these organizations. Additionally, document analysis of archiving policies, procedures, and metadata schemas is conducted to triangulate findings. The quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple regression analysis to identify significant factors influencing archiving effectiveness. Qualitative data from interviews and document analysis will be subjected to thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke’s methodology, allowing for the exploration of underlying themes related to practices, challenges, and organizational culture. Expected findings suggest variability in the maturity of digital archiving practices, with some societies demonstrating adherence to international standards such as ISAD(G), Dublin Core, and PREMIS, while others lag due to resource constraints, skill gaps, or policy deficiencies. The study anticipates identifying key technological, human, and organizational factors that significantly impact the success and sustainability of digital archives. It is expected that organizations with well-defined policy frameworks, ongoing staff training, and investment in digital infrastructure will exhibit higher levels of archiving efficacy, whereas resource-limited societies may struggle with preservation risks and metadata inconsistencies. The study contributes to knowledge by providing a rigorous evaluation framework that links technological practices with organizational and human factors influencing digital archiving in the national context. It advances theoretical understanding through the application of Information Systems Success Theory and the Records Continuum Model, elucidating how technological and organizational dynamics interplay to shape archival outcomes. Additionally, the research offers a contextualized set of best practices and policy recommendations tailored to the needs and capacities of national historical societies. The main conclusion emphasizes that effective digital archiving in national historical societies requires a holistic approach integrating technological robustness, skilled personnel, and supportive organizational policies. It is recommended that societies prioritize the development of comprehensive digital archiving strategies, invest in capacity building and staff training, and adopt internationally recognized metadata standards to enhance the resilience, accessibility, and preservation of national historical records. Furthermore, the study advocates for increased resource allocation and institutional support to address infrastructural gaps and ensure the long-term sustainability of digital archives. Future research should explore longitudinal assessments of digital archiving maturity and examine the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain on archival practices.