Stadsarchief Amsterdam Launches Ambitious Project to Revolutionize Archive Discovery
Stadsarchief Amsterdam has embarked on an innovative initiative called "Proof of Contexts." This project aims to transform how visitors and researchers explore the vast collection of historical documents, photographs, and records, moving towards a more intuitive and interconnected digital experience. The goal is to make the city's rich history more accessible by creating new search pathways within its extensive archives.
Traditionally, archive information has been structured hierarchically. The "Proof of Contexts" project seeks to evolve beyond this by viewing archive data as part of a broad network. By linking information more intelligently, the Stadsarchief anticipates users will find what they're looking for with greater ease and discover related materials more effectively. This shift aligns with modern data standards like Linked Data and Records in Contexts.
Transforming Archival Search for Better Visitor Experience
The foundation for this project was laid a year ago during an initial brainstorming session involving staff from both the Noord-Hollands Archief and Stadsarchief Amsterdam. Held at the Koepelgevangenis in Haarlem, this discussion highlighted a key insight: while traditional, tree-like inventory structures provide a framework, they don't offer a true data network. The team realized that categories like names, locations, and even document types would function better as distinct entities within a network, rather than mere sub-sections of a rigid hierarchy. For example, a person's name should be an actor with a specific relationship to a record, not just a category label.
The "Proof of Contexts" project is structured into two main parts:
- Data Transformation: Identifying which types of categories can be automatically processed to become specific attributes of a record, converted into new entities with defined relationships, or removed if they offer no meaningful context (such as generic "other" categories).
- User Interface Design: Exploring how a visual representation of this new network structure can meet the needs of archive users. The aim is to create a design that is more intuitive and aligns better with how people typically search in digital environments today.
Collaborative Efforts to Modernize Archive Access
For the detailed content development, the project has expanded to include archivists from several institutions affiliated with the Circle of Archivists in North Holland. This includes, alongside Stadsarchief Amsterdam and Noord-Hollands Archief, the Regional Archives of Alkmaar, Gooi en Vechtstreek, Westfries Archief, and Gemeentearchief Zaanstad. Through workshops, these experts have focused on defining what "accessibility" truly means for archives in a Linked Data world.
A key finding from user-centric exercises was that visitors primarily search using terms related to location, person, subject, and time, rather than starting with the archive creator, which is often the default in current systems. This reinforces the need to move data from rigid categories to more discoverable entities, ensuring information is presented in a more intuitive and organized way without losing its original meaning. The inventory of the Amsterdam Municipal Police will serve as the initial case study for this transformation, creating an optimal network structure.
Visualizing the Future of Amsterdam's Historical Records
Following the data transformation phase, the processed Amsterdam Municipal Police archive will be used as input for a new visualization. Design agency Norday, known for its work with Linked Data, will develop a user-friendly interface that presents the complex network structure in an easily digestible manner, aiming to be simpler than traditional inventories. A dedicated design week is scheduled for September, after which the new design will be publicly presented.
The prototype will operate on real data, allowing for thorough testing of its functionality. User research will be an integral part of the project, and the design will be made available for public review and feedback. This comprehensive approach will help determine whether the project is on the right track for future large-scale network development or if further experimentation is necessary.
Stadsarchief Amsterdam, like many cultural institutions, is continually innovating to make its rich history accessible. Musemap (musemap.art) helps you explore the diverse cultural landscape of the city, from historical archives to contemporary art spaces. You can discover more museums and archives or search for other cultural spots in Amsterdam.
