34381 - Computer Science for Archive Keeping (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course is an introduction to the study of archival documents and descriptions in view of their computerization. On the one hand, questions about the standards in use for description will be posed; on the other hand, problems with conservation and preservation will be faced. Special attention will be dedicated to the creation of open access environments for the copying of digital documents and accompanying descriptions in the sector of historical archives.

Course contents

An introduction to the fundamental principles of general and special archival science is planned, aimed at understanding the basic requirements for designing digital document systems. The main national and local archival information systems will be illustrated and used. Furthermore, meetings in archives are planned, where possible, to deepen practical cases of applying IT tools to the description and management of archival documentation. Finally, the regulatory and institutional aspects concerning the production, management, and preservation of digital documentation in Italy will be addressed.

Readings/Bibliography

S. PIGLIAPOCO, Documentare archiviare conoscere. Formare e conservare la memoria nel contesto digitale, Civita editoriale, Torre del Lago (LU), 2022.

M. GUERCIO, Archivistica informatica. I documenti in ambiente digitale, Roma, Carocci, 2019, capp. 4-5.

 

Attending Students:

Slides from the lectures.

 

Non-Attending Students:

F. VALACCHI, Diventare archivisti: competenze tecniche di un mestiere sul confine, Milano, Bibliografica, 2022.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures. Visits to historical archives are also possible to ensure a direct approach to documentary heritage and models of applying information technology for their management and use.

A partial hands-on approach is also planned, with the analysis of some case studies and the practical development of specific systems and solutions, with the possibility of carrying out part of the work in small groups.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Assessment methods

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

 

Attending Students:

The oral exam includes verification of learning based on three questions, two of which are related to the reference texts and the third pertaining to the course content.

 

Non-Attending Students:

The oral exam includes verification of learning based on three questions related to the reference texts.

 

Evaluation:

The following will be assessed:

• Knowledge of the main theoretical problems of the discipline;
• Appropriate use of the specialist vocabulary related to the subject;
• Ability to present content and its logical organization;
• Coherence of argumentation;
• Development of factual models.

The following grading scale will be adopted, corresponding to a thirty-point scale:

• Excellent (30 cum laude)
• Very Good (28-30)
• Good (25-27)
• Fair (22-24)
• Sufficient (18-21)

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

 

Exam sessions are scheduled for the following months of the academic year (in addition to the ones already published/completed), for all students:

1) June;

2) July;

3) September.

Teaching tools

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

The slides presented in class will be made available on the Virtuale platform.

Guided tours to archives and archival institutions will be conducted.

Office hours

See the website of Miles Nerini