34381 - Computer Science for Archive Keeping (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will know the main elements of the archival document and the related finding aids for computer processing. From one side they will recognize problems related to the description according to the standards in use ; on the other they will be aware of the issue of conservation and preservation over time. They will be able to devote special attention to the creation of open access environments for digital documents in the field of historical archives.

Course contents

The basic principles of general and special archivistics will be introduced in order to understand the basic requirements for the design of digital document systems. The main national and local archival information systems will be illustrated and used. Meetings are also planned at archival institutes to explore practical cases of application of computer tools to the description and management of archival documentation. The regulatory and institutional aspects related to the production, management and conservation of electronic records in Italy will also be included.

Readings/Bibliography

Reference texts:

Attending students:

• Maria Guercio, Archivistica informatica. I documenti in ambiente digitale, Roma, Carocci editore, ristampa 2015.
• Stefano Vitali, Passato digitale. Le fonti dello storico nell’era del computer, Bruno Mondadori, 2004
• Giampiero Romanzi, Corso di Archivistica informatica 2018/2019, teaching material for lessons, downloadable by "Insegnamenti online - Supporto online alla didattica" (https://iol.unibo.it)

Non-attending students, in addition:

• Federico Valacchi, Diventare archivisti: competenze tecniche di un mestiere sul confine, Milano, Bibliografica, 2015.

Other texts can be agreed with the teacher.

Teaching methods

The course is structured into frontal lessons. Visits to the city archives are include in order to ensure a direct approach to documentary heritage, and application models of information technology for their management and use.

Assessment methods

The oral examination includes the assessment on the basis of three questions, two of which related to reference texts and the third related to the contents of the course. For non-attendants, the third question will be on the additional text.

The assessment will test:

• knowledge of the main theoretical problems of the discipline
  
• proper use of the specialized lexicon of the discipline;
• ability to expose contents and their logical organization
• consistency of the argumentation

The following evaluation scale will be used, with the vote match in thirtieths:

• Excellent (30 cum laude)

• Very Good (28-30)

• Good (25-27)

• Satisfactory (22-24)

• Sufficient (18-21)

Teaching tools

Digital instruments and technologies, including audiovisual materials, will be used both in the presentation of issues and in the exemplification of concrete cases.

Guided tours will be made to archives and archival institutions.

 

Office hours

See the website of Miles Nerini