No dust in cyberspace?: the effects of internet technology on perceptions of archives

Abstract

Drawing on research into digital technologies and their effects on society and archives, as well as research on the public image of archives, this thesis examines whether technological changes, specifically the Internet, have had any effects on public perceptions of archives and if so to determine the nature of those effects. It relies on a survey to measure possible effects of Internet technology on perceptions of archives. Findings suggest that there are a number of ways in which the Internet may be affecting perceptions of archives, including prompting both increased expectations for the provision of digital information and materials and also a decrease in the perceived accessibility and value of archives; adding possible definitions for what may be considered an archive ; changing which tasks people associate most strongly with archives; and altering which stereotypes people are most likely to associate with archives. Responses also suggest that there are a number of influences besides the Internet which may affect the stereotypes applied to archives