Abstract

The balance of the activity of Spanish archives in 2011 is remarkably satisfactory. Areas where improvement has led to a more relevant improvement (document management regulations, digital preservation, access, human rights) and the need for increased efforts in training, archival legislation, re-use of information and research are pointed out.

Abstract

A picture is presented of the state of library and information professionals and disciplines in Spain. Statistical data are provided about both the number and type of Spanish libraries and archives as well as practising professionals according to geographic distribution, training and job description. Spanish library and information authorities are identified as well as professional associations and learned societies and conferences held. University education is examined describing existing institutions, degree levels and providing data on student enrollment and teachers.

Abstract

The notion of “information subsidy” was introduced by US media researchers to refer to informational materials that an organization’s press officers place at the disposal of journalists covering an informational event. Based on this idea, this research examines the online pressrooms of Spanish ministries, as organizations of high media interest, to see how they optimize these online spaces for journalists to provide such information subsidies. The content offered as well as its architecture and usability, according to the effectiveness criteria identified by previous researchers, are analyzed.

Abstract

The electronic management of documents and records is facing major challenges: the integration of document processes and checks in routine work processes; risk analysis; techniques and controls needed to manage records and digital evidence controls (metadata, digital signature, authenticity, integrity, preservation); and access restrictions for citizenship or customers. Information professionals are invited to take an active role in resolving these complex problems.

Abstract

Zyncro opens a new dimension in corporate documentation management, based on the well-known concept of intranets and adapting it to the new 2.0 culture of collaboration and work online. Internal communications in public and private organizations are alive, and their flows of interaction between internal and external members of the organization are becoming more intense. Tools capable of handling large volumes of information in an easy, fast and secure manner are needed. This is where Zyncro appears: as the new intranet 2.0. This article analyzes and describes this new online application with special emphasis on its archiving and documentation function articulated through working groups and personal archives.

Abstract

Digitization of media archives has improved both news librarians’ and journalists’ work. However, a significant proportion of Spanish journalists prefer searching for information on the Internet rather than in archives. Moreover, the quality of journalists’ work decreases because few journalists receive proper training on information retrieval. Our research is based on ethnographic observation and interviews with more than 70 professionals from several newsrooms carried out between 2001 and 2006, complemented by a survey of the heads of archives at the main channels and newspapers.

Abstract

Spain’s national agency for library coordination (Dirección General del Libro, Archivos y Bibliotecas, Subdirección General de Coordinación Bibliotecaria) has launched a series of initiatives to disseminate and preserve the national bibliographic heritage. The digitization of collections and their internet distribution (using well-known standards such as DC, OAI-PMH,OAIS, Premis, SRU/SW) is their most recent project. In addition to all the benefits this brings, their efforts to build consensus for the project is especially appreciated. Of particular significance, they have secured the cooperation of Spain’s autonomous communities (i. e., regional governments), all of their initiatives incorporate technology and procedures compliant with the action Digital Libraries of the EU’s VII Framework Programme.

Abstract

In museums, the scope of documentation must be extended through the concept of documentary services: libraries, archives and services of documentation have to work together to achieve a better knowledge and diffusion of the collections of each museum. If libraries have an uncertain future, archives can play an important role in the future of the institution. Documentary services must be open to everything from internal service to the diffusion of all bibliographic, documentary and artistic collections using the most recent means available, such as those proposed for the semantic web.

Abstract

We present the results of the application of visualization techniques to search large sets of records, under the framework of the “Project of innovation in record management applied to transport infrastructure services and works procurement dossiers”. We started from a metadata schema as the origin of the information used to create visualizations. Four visualization techniques –timeline, cluster, cloud and map- and their metadata are exhaustively described.

Abstract

We analyzed the archiving strategies of five citizen mobilizations that have taken place in Spain since 2004. All of them have in common an explicit will of the protagonists to keep the records generated during the events, in order to build an account of what happened “from below” and to achieve recognition of their interests and rights. In this article, we analyze why each group of documents constitutes an archival fonds, the involvement of citizens in its configuration (capture, management, preservation, and dissemination of information), and the response of archival institutions for its preservation and custody. We confirm that citizens want to leave their documentary trace and use archives as a weapon of empowerment. We argue the need for greater involvement of trustworthy public archival institutions to safeguard, beyond the institutional memory, records created by citizens. The archives should make them accessible and should facilitate citizen participation. Their acquisition policies should be transparent and open to all of society.