Hi, my name is Ray; I am the Archives Manager over at the Archaeology Data Service (link below) (ADS), a digital repository that preserves and distributes digital data produced by the archaeology and heritage sectors. Of course, mention of archaeology will instantly invoke the thrill of discovery during excavation, Saturday afternoons looking at rows of artifacts in the local museum, or those wet weekends in July tramping around a local castle. Yet, the great thing about archaeology is the diversity of the profession, evidenced by all the amazing ‘Day in Archaeology’ posts from colleagues.

Archiving digital data is probably one of those activities that would not even feature in many Top 10 lists of archaeology, but a small and dedicated group of us are working hard to ensure the preservation of the ever-increasing quantities of digital data produced by the archaeological and heritage professionals. Despite the ‘romantic’ setting, there are no ‘dusty’ shelves of archive boxes filled with artifacts and written records at the ADS offices at King Manor in York. Instead, we have digital folders filled with PDF reports, databases, spreadsheets, photographs, data produced during geophysical surveys, drawings, 3D models, indeed any type of digital data produced during archaeological research.

Although ADS staff may currently be ‘spread to the four winds’ due to the current pandemic, we’re all still working hard to ensure that the digital data is archived in manner that means it is preserved and accessible not simply today, but will be available long into future as well. But…

• How can we be sure that these activities are carried out correctly?
• How do we ensure that the processes, procedures, and actions taken to preserve digital data are in line with good practice?

The short answer is ACCREDITATION; this gives YOU confidence that all the data, made available through the ADS website(https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk), is properly preserved and will be available long into the future, but also gives US confidence that our practices and workflows are line with current standards within the archiving procession. Earlier this year the ADS received both the CoreTrustSeal (CSA) certification and became a regular members of the World Data System’s (WDS) Trusted Scientific Data Services. As a result, we can be confident that the ADS IS taking all the appropriate steps to ensure the preservation and dissemination of digital data, but also that the current procedures and practices are ‘fit for purpose’.

As part of this ‘Day in Archaeology,’ I will be ensuring that all the documentation, processes, and procedures required to support the work of the ADS are accurate and up-to-date. It may not seem like the most exciting ‘day in archaeology’, and a million miles away from my first excavation, but ensuring that all the digital data produced by archaeologists, specialists, and heritage professionals is preserved for future generations is an important part of the profession.