This exhibition at the Janskerk in Haarlem explores the complexities of digital archiving and the importance of preserving present and past information. It showcases how archives ensure the reliability and accessibility of digital data, highlighting the role of innovative techniques like Artificial Intelligence and Linked Open Data.
In an era where information authenticity is often questioned, archives play a crucial role in ensuring data is stored securely, reliably, and accessibly. The exhibition 'Tijd voor de toekomst. Bewaren van heden en verleden' (Time for the Future. Preserving Present and Past), held at the Janskerk in Haarlem from July 12 to September 29, offers a look into the workings of digital archiving. The Noord-Hollands Archief (NHA) has been actively engaged in this field for years, and this exhibition provides insight into the vast world behind digital record-keeping.
The exhibition addresses the exponential growth of data and the significant challenge for archival institutions to preserve this information sustainably. Through interactive and playful methods, visitors will learn about the processes involved in the long-term preservation and storage of digital data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is highlighted for its significant role, both now and in the future, in making image collections and old manuscripts quickly searchable, thereby improving information findability and extracting more value from data. The exhibition also touches upon Linked Open Data, a technique that connects an institution's data with other databases. Additionally, the installation 'Through Artificial Eyes' by artist Richard Vijgen, known for his global installations on digital data, will be featured. Vijgen's work demonstrates how AI is employed in searching vast amounts of data.