11602 - Computer Science for Archive Keeping

Learning outcomes

The course provides the disciplinary, technical-information knowledge for the correct management and preservation of documentary systems, with reference to digital archives and hybrid management and develops the aptitudes and knowledge to manage the processes within the networks. The student knows the principles of specific computer applications and processes within the network; the management aspects of the transition to the digital archive. he is able to develop and manage quality, effectiveness and efficiency policies; knows how to manage and maintain the security of documentary data.

Course contents

1. Distinction between analog and digital. The concepts of analog, digital and hybrid archives.

2. The documentary typologies in digital archives: the digital representation of text documents, images; audio recordings and video recordings.

3. Storage media for digital archives.

4. The digitization of documentary resources and their fruition and exploitation.

5. The long-term preservation of digital resources. Problems and strategies.

6. Laboratory activity on training and management of digital archives;

7. The archival description; the standards for the description; software for description, reorganization and inventory; examples and practical applications.

8. Archival information systems and archival resources on the web.

9. The digital document. The tools for managing digital documents. Electronic signatures. Certified e-mail.

Readings/Bibliography

In addition to the teaching materials provided by the teacher and covered in class, the following texts are sources of study for the exam:

- STEFANO PIGLIAPOCO, Progetto archivio digitale, Civita editoriale, Torre del Lago (Lucca), 2016

- MARIA GUERCIO, STEFANO PIGLIAPOCO, FEDERICO VALACCHI, Archivi e informatica, Civita editoriale, Torre del Lago (Lucca), 2010

- MARIA GUERCIO, Archivistica informatica, Carocci, Roma, 2010.

Teaching methods

The course includes:
- theoretical lessons;
- guided tours;
- laboratory work on the use of IT tools for training and management of digital documents;
- laboratory activity on the use of software for archival description.

Assessment methods

Learning is assessed through an oral test consisting of a discussion of the topics covered in class and of the assigned study texts aimed at ascertaining the knowledge and skills acquired, the exhibition and communication skills and the autonomy of judgment.

For students attending the corse, the assessment of the learning can be carried out, alternatively, through a written test, which will be held at the end of the course, and which will consist of closed questions and open-ended questions on topics covered in class.

Teaching tools

Further information on the availability of handouts, bibliographic details and resources on the web will be provided during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Allegrezza