Cylchgronau Cymru

AN HISTORICAL DATA ARCHIVE FOR THE UK: A FEASIBILITY STUDY Few people undertaking historical research, whether amateur or professional, local or general, can have failed to notice the growing impact of computer techniques of collection, storage and investigation of historical information. Like it or not, the computer is rapidly becoming an important element in the historian's bag of research aids. Yet although few can deny the advantages the use of the computer may bring, it also creates a set of potential problems, certainly for the future if not for now. Partly because of the novelty and youthfulness of applying computer techniques to historical research, much of this type of work has been and is being carried out in relative isolation, with few researchers knowing what other computer-using historians are doing, how they are doing it, and how it may reflect upon, help or benefit their own work. The formation of the Association for History and Computing* in 1986 is beginning to alleviate this problem, yet it still remains the case that the bulk of machine-readable historical data files that have been and are being created are inaccessible to other researchers. Indeed many data files, no doubt, have already been lost to the research community as data are erased at the termination of a research project, or lay forgotten in the recesses of the University computing service. Unfortunately, unless something is done now the gravity of the situation will only increase as time goes on with present techniques and methodologies becoming obsolete and superseded by others. If the vast body of machine-readable data files which have been generated over the past twenty years is to be preserved for future use by the academic community and other interested parties, the only practical solution is for them to be stored in an appropriate central data archive, catering not only for their preservation, but also their full documentation, cataloguing and dissemination. A central data archive is appropriate and beneficial for a number of reasons. Firstly, it will help to prevent duplication of effort in generating further data files, making it possible for researchers to consult work already completed in their field quickly and efficiently. Secondly, the archive will act as a common resource for both research and teaching purposes, providing up-to-date information on available data sets and a central point for data requests and dissemination. Furthermore, it is hoped that the archive will serve as a centre for the exchange of information for researchers in the field, providing practical help and expertise in the handling of historical data using computerised techniques. However, before such an archive can be established it is appropriate to undertake an in-depth investigation of the current stock of machine-readable historical data files. The Association for History and Computing is an international organisation which aims to promote and develop interest in the use of computers in all types of historical study, at every level, in both teaching and research. It publishes (three times a year) its own journal, History and Computing. Further details of the Association are available by writing to the Membership Secretary, Dr. Veronica Lawrence, 3 Crown Terrace, Stadhampton, Oxon, OX9. 7TY.