Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universiteit van Amsterdam. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 383-402).

It is a common feeling among archivists that the basic principles of archival theory may have to be examined and redefined in light of the development of computer technology. This need exists not so much because archivists are currently faced with a new and unfamiliar medium, but because the new technology changes not only the uses made of the information but also the way in which we perceive it. The many attempts to approach the problem in the last twenty years have tended to be focused on single archival functions rather than on fundamental archival principles, and the solutions proposed were essentially practical. This thesis takes a global approach to archival theory and tries to answer the general question: are traditional archival principles valid as a guide in the treatment of machine readable records? In order to answer this question, the thesis puts into relationship the terminologies of computer and archival science, analyses and reconciles them, and proceeds to examine the basic concepts of the nature of archives and records, their life cycle, their appraisal, arrangement and methods of communication, and studies their application to machine readable records. The conclusion of this study is that the theoretical foundation of archival science is valid for the management of all archival documents regardless of their physical medium, and that any differences in treatment are a result of practical application of the theory. However, the development and diffused use of computer technology have opened new areas of concern to all archivists which must be explored from a theoretical perspective. Archival science does not, therefore, need to be redefined, but merely expanded. / Arts, Faculty of / Library, Archival and Information Studies (SLAIS), School of / Graduate

This research explores whether digital records created and used in environments without explicit record-keeping rules provide evidence of the organization that creates them and can be preserved in the long term. I studied the formation process of a digital archive that belonged to a philanthropic organization in Argentina. This archive originated in the late 1980s and was added to until 2005, a period during which, as information technologies were being massively adopted in the work-place, new problems were compounded by the nature and conditions of its electronic records and database systems. The study revealed knowledge about the information technologies and social practices used in the archive's development, providing an understanding of the path from its past to its present form and insights about how to preserve it. The attributes characterizing this archive led to developing the concept of a natural electronic archive. To determine whether the records in the natural archive reflect the organization that created them I devised an inductive appraisal method that uses text mining, social network analysis, and visualization methods. I calculated the similarity between the text records created, gathered, and shared by them within frameworks of time and provenance as a measure of the strength of the relationships between staff members and the functions that they represented. Results of mining electronic text records belonging to 10 years of activities in the organization indicate that it is possible to observe changes in work-dynamics and roles in a way that goes beyond the typical organizational chart. The process and challenges involved in developing and validating the appraisal method are reported in this dissertation. Studying the archive's formation process allowed gaps in the technical documentation to be filled and suggested a preservation strategy. The goal of the strategy is to preserve the structure and context in which the electronic records and databases were created and used, while moving them into a new and compatible technical environment to allow continuous access. From a practical perspective the strategy allows studying the effects of hardware and software migration on file formats and databases present in the digital archive. From a broader perspective it aims to provide a theoretical understanding of the relationship that exists between digital information creation and use and preservation strategies. / text

This thesis deals with the representation of emblem literature in digital media in the modern age. A discussion of issues related to new media such as the advantages and disadvantages of digital media as well as copyright issues is presented. There follows a discussion of different technologies related to modern means of publishing, notably Acrobat technology, HTML, XHTML, and XML, and how they could be best used to serve the goal of dealing with emblems by means of digital media. A discussion of digitizing and indexing emblems as well as CD-ROM technology is also presented. This leads to an evaluation of some Internet web sites and a CD-ROM edition. The thesis concludes with a summary evaluating the success of modern attempts of presenting emblem literature in modern digital media.

M.Inf. / The introduction of technology has affected the service standards of most service organizations. Organizations were either negatively or positively affected. (Polokwane Municipality is no exception). Records management as a major function of service organizations needs to be developed to cope with the challenges brought about by technology. The study, therefore, investigated the possible role of electronic records management in a service organization. The aim of electronic records management is to improve service quality. By making use of an electronic records management system, organizations can render quality service. The introduction of technology in records management affects several aspects such as space, time, costs, customer satisfaction and the role of the records manager. Although technology may improve the standard of service in organizations, it is important for organizations to embark on staff development programmes. Employees should be trained to use the existing system, and encouraged to further their studies. Furthermore, organizations should encourage employees to affiliate with professional organizations, as the latter enables employees to embark on a process of lifelong learning. Once a well-trained workforce has been established, responsibilities must be allocated. Employees should be made aware of their limitations. Some should be tasked only with scanning in new information, while others could be made responsible either for maintaining or disposing of records. The most senior member of staff in the records management section should be responsible for any actions with regard to the disposal of records. Other departments such as Information Technology (IT) should assist with their expertise.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 309-323). Also available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations.