mac2019detroit

Despite a couple decades of progress on various technologies to support both digital preservation and archival description, we've still seen relatively little progress on software support for the core activities of selection and appraisal.  There are numerous data elements within born-digital materials that could (but currently aren't) be used to support more effective and efficient appraisal processes.  Recent advances in natural language processing and machine learning are particularly promising. Appraisal isn't a specific point in a digital curation workflow but is instead something that happens at numerous points throughout the process.  The time is ripe for detailed discussions about how and when to introduce software that can support appraisal activities.

This panel - composed of individuals from four states and a variety of institution types -- will explore issues of computer-assisted appraisal.  What are archivists doing now, and what could they be doing in the future?  What types of software are the most promising?  What are the most likely challenges? The purpose of the session is to raise awareness of the potential for computer-assisted appraisal, as well as helping participants (panelists and audience) to understand the implications for work in their own institutions. This panel should be of interest to all archivists responsible for electronic records, especially born-digital records.  No background knowledge is required, though an understanding of archival appraisal principles and practices will be beneficial.