Sound Practices: Online Audio Exhibits and the Cultural Heritage Archive

by Breaden, Ian Craig

This paper examines the functionality of 25 online web exhibits in their use of audio media, against a backdrop of the changing character of the archive in the age of virtual access to primary materials. A discussion of the evolution of the archival role, from simple custodian of materials to historian/educator/interface designer, is followed by an analysis of online audio exhibits using a matrix measuring specific aspects of audio performance. Each web exhibit is scored against the matrix, itself examined as a tool of measurement. The scores are compiled, ranked, and analyzed. Based on these scores, the state of audio technology, and the insights provided by digital archival preservation, a set of standards are proposed as a starting point for archives to use in increasing audio exhibit performance.