Historical Archives of the European Union

Brand Historical Archives of the European Union
Categoria Cloud & Cybersecurity
Partner

The Historical Archives of the European Union represent all European Union institutions' only official historical archives. They constitute a key resource for researchers and citizens interested in learning about the history of the Union and beyond, with more than 160 private collections belonging to European personalities, politicians, movements and associations. Their mission is based on two key principles: accessibility and preservation. Their main goal is to ensure the long-term conservation of their documentary heritage and to be a point of reference for collecting a broad and diverse range of materials from agencies and institutions.

Requirements

The main mission of the Historical Archives of the European Union is to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of the documentation produced by European institutions. However, digitization introduced new challenges: ensuring the readability of files over time and having an important space to collect digital data of different kinds (documents, audio recordings, videos, images, etc.). Therefore, the Archives needed to develop a strategic repositioning project that would establish them as a key reference point for the observation and study of the entire European integration process.
Testo alternativo dell'immagine da inserire
Testo alternativo dell'immagine da inserire
Testo alternativo dell'immagine da inserire
Solutions

Deda Tech, together with the tender team, responded to the challenge by proposing Archivematica, an open-source platform with a micro-services architecture and a workflow compliant with the OAIS reference model and international standards for historical archives. The adoption of an open-source solution reduced the risk of solution durability and provided greater assurance of data integrity. The project developed in two main phases: the first involved the development of the on-premise Digital Preservation System, with the creation of strategic documents such as the Digital Preservation Strategy Plan and the ICT Plan, which initiated the operational reorganization. In the second phase, user requirements were defined and the Digital Preservation System was implemented along with the related service model. Deda Tech continues to maintain and develop the system, operating on-premise and offering technical support services.

The Results

Thanks to the partnership with Deda Tech, the EU Historical Archives has achieved significant results, including ensuring the long-term preservation of records despite continuous technology upgrades. They have also achieved repositioning as a service provider in certified digital repository and have consolidated their expertise and reliability in collection and deposit procedures, attracting interest from agencies and institutions. The Deda Tech team's high level of expertise in digital preservation standards and the choice of a high-quality open-source solution with specific functionality for the needs of historical archives contributed to the project's success.

“The listening-oriented approach was key in the initial workshop phase, where the exchange of views brought some inspirational ideas. We were impressed by the vision on the topic and the project team’s deep knowledge of the standards, which lived up to expectations and with special care, which was really appreciated, in the documentation drafted.”

- Dieter Schlenker, Director of Historical Archives of the European Union
 
 
 
Image credits: © European University Institute
 
 
 
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