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

An introduction dedicated to the basic principles of the archival discipline will be provided. The main Italian and local archival information systems will then be explained and used. Meetings in the archives are planned to investigate practical cases of the application of IT tools to the description and management of archival records. Aspects, including regulatory aspects, related to the production, management and preservation of computer records in Italy will also be covered.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students:

• Paola Carucci, Maria Guercio, Manuale di Archivistica. Nuova edizione, Roma, Carocci, 2021: chapters 9 (Gli standard internazionali per la descrizione archivistica), 12 (Formazione e gestione dell’archivio corrente e dell’archivio di deposito), 14 (Formazione e gestione di un sistema documentario digitale), 15 (Normativa di base per la gestione dei documenti della pubblica amministrazione), 16 (La conservazione dei documenti digitali).
• Stefano Vitali, Passato digitale. Le fonti dello storico nell’era del computer, Milano, Bruno Mondadori, 2004.

  Non-attending students:

  In addition to the texts for attending students, the following text:

• Federico Valacchi, Diventare archivisti. Competenze tecniche di un mestiere sul confine. Edizione riveduta e aggiornata, Milano, Editrice Bibliografica, 2022.

Further indications on bibliographic and web resources will be provided during the course; materials for the preparation of the exam will also be published online.

Teaching methods

1. Lectures, in the classroom, using slides and other teaching materials.

2. Visits to State Archives in order to ensure a direct approach to the documentary heritage and models of application of information technologies for their management and use.

3. "Virtual" visit to a current archive.

Assessment methods

Oral exam:

• Knowledge of the topics covered in class and of the bibliography
• Presentation of concepts with appropriate language.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Malfatti