Selective strategy as a tool in web archiving. Analysis of selected examples

Abstract

Particular archives and projects securing web resources define corresponding solutions and methods of operation in order to achieve the goal set for them. Among them is a strategy that influences how websites and other online material are selected and collected. The article discusses one of the most commonly used solutions – the selective collection strategy. It follows on from 11 examples of archives and initiatives that use this approach. Three types of sources were used to prepare the analysis, which provided information on the use of selective strategy by individual projects: their websites, guidelines and scientific studies on them. During their research, particular attention was paid to what materials they try to archive, how they identify and select them, and how they collect them, and what criteria they apply. In the course of data collection, it was noticed that there was no access to precise information on the functioning of some of the selected examples. For this reason, as well as their great diversity, it was impossible to present them according to one specific scheme. On this basis, supported by the literature on the subject, it was possible, however, to determine what kind of initiatives use the selective strategy and how they apply it, and what are its effects. The review of initiatives also allowed for the characterization of this solution and for drawing conclusions about its advantages and disadvantages.