About the Archives Taskforce

The Digital Accessibility of Archives Task Force (Taskforce Digitale Toegankelijkheid Archieven) – usually known simply as the Archives Task Force – was founded in September 2004. Its task is to develop a self-regulating and dynamic quality system for digital accessibility, for use by the entire Dutch archives sector.

Why this initiative?

To enable as many people as possible to benefit from the national historical and cultural assets held in such places as archives, museums and libraries, and by archaeology and monuments sectors. That is the general social ambition towards which the archives sector wishes to contribute. This requires far-reaching and coordinated efforts to improve digital services. Much is already being done, but the challenge now is to progress from the “pioneering and good initiatives” phase to that of “combining and securing”.

Image from the collection of Het Nationaal Archief: Demands of the emperor of Japan: Persian Stallions. 1765. Inv.nr. 610

What is the quality system?

The system defines quality standards for digital accessibility within the archives sector. It also collects and records knowledge and experiences, as well as best and worst practices, in the field of digital services. The Archives Task Force hopes that it in this way it will encourage further development of a public-oriented archives system. This goal is supported by national, provincial and local governments in the Netherlands.

Who benefits from the quality system?

The public, but also archive-holding institutions and their financial backers. The system enables the archives sector to define, control and continue improving the quality of its digital services.

The Archives Task Force has been formed for the period 2004-2008. It serves the archives sector and works in close cooperation with it. The lead institution in the task force is the Nationaal Archief, working hand in hand with the Association for Records Management and Archives (DIVA) and maintaining contacts with the Dutch Digital Heritage Association (DEN). That body plays an important and cross-sectoral role in heritage digitisation.

If you any relevant information for or questions about the Archives Task Force, please contact:

taskforce@taskforce-archieven.nl

The Project Leader is Ms Ma Oeh Pe: telephone +31 70 31 5525 or +31 70 3106937, fax +31 70 331 5555.