Stadsarchief Amsterdam Sets New Digital Archiving Record in Amsterdam
The Stadsarchief Amsterdam, the city's historical archive, announced a significant achievement in late 2025: successfully processing a municipal archive and making its contents available online within a remarkable 24-hour period. This rapid digitization and publication marks a new milestone in preserving and providing access to Amsterdam's historical records.
The newly processed collection comprises issues of the Personeelsblad 1Amsterdam, an internal staff magazine for employees of the Municipality of Amsterdam, which has been published since 2013. Editions from July 2016 onwards were transferred to the archives. Earlier issues, specifically from 2013 to May 2016, were unfortunately lost due to changes in publication platforms. To prevent future losses, the city's Concernmedia team collaborated with the Stadsarchief to transfer current and future editions in an easily accessible format, utilizing PDF screenshots and descriptive metadata.
Enhancing Access to Amsterdam's Digital History
This swift processing was made possible by the Stadsarchief's advanced infrastructure for handling born-digital archives. Since 2023, the institution has been developing automated methods to ingest digitally created records, aligning with recognized archival standards for information preservation. The recent case of the Personeelsblad demonstrates the efficiency of these systems.
A key innovation in this process is the "SIP-creator," a specialized code developed by colleague Martine Kuipers. This tool automates the creation of a Submission Information Package (SIP) from the provided PDF files and Excel metadata. The SIP is then seamlessly ingested into the Stadsarchief's e-depot, with files and metadata automatically forwarded to the collection management system and subsequently published on the archive's website. Visitors can now explore the digitized issues of the Personeelsblad online.
Notably, the development of the SIP-creator benefited from the assistance of AI, specifically ChatAmsterdam, a chatbot designed for civil servants. This collaboration highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing archival practices and improving public access to historical information. The SIP-creator is also designed for broader application, capable of processing other small born-digital archives, including those from private sources.
This advancement significantly benefits anyone interested in Amsterdam's past, from researchers to casual visitors. It streamlines the availability of digital records, ensuring that more of the city's rich history is accessible with unprecedented speed.
For those eager to discover more about Amsterdam's cultural institutions or explore other historical sites, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a comprehensive guide. You can browse museums or search for specific cultural spots to plan your next visit.
