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Websites and Historical Societies
Presented by Cathy Jones to
the NSW Royal Australian Historical Society Affiliate Conference on 6 November
2005
The Internet or World Wide Web is now the starting point in searching for
information and reference sources by researchers including amateurs,
professionals, hobbyists and students. The Internet permits exchange of
information from anywhere in the world and has vastly increased the amount of
information available from countless sources. The Internet has substantially
reduced costs and resources required to obtain information, thereby assisting in
‘breaking down the barriers’, the theme of this conference.
If your organisation does not have a presence on the Internet, your activities
or even existence may be largely unnoticed. Lack of visibility may hinder the
work of historical societies which includes publications, meetings, museums and
activities. Most Societies are not listed in the White Pages telephone
books and can be difficult to locate, particularly outside of their local areas.
As societies are dedicated to the collection, research and promotion of local
history and/heritage, the internet can assist in meeting these objectives and
attract a wider audience to your Society’s work.
The internet provides both opportunities and difficulties for historical
societies.
Opportunities can include:
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The internet is a great way to advertise your
Society and its services, which may include a museum, research facilities,
meetings or lectures, books or pamphlets etc.
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Networking opportunities with other groups or
interested researchers, resulting in information, documents or photographs
becoming available.
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Digital transactions can reduce paper and
reduce costs such as photocopying, postage and storage of communications,
letters and information requests.
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Internet sites may attract new members, who
may have been unaware of your group’s existence or how to be involved.
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Frequently asked questions or enquiries can
be put on the site, minimising numbers of requests and phone calls.
This is particularly useful for inquiries from students, doing school
assignments.
Difficulties can include:
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With greater visibility, additional requests
could generate which impact on your resources.
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Designing and establishing a website can be
difficult, costly and require computer skills, software [eg programs] and
hardware [eg computer, modem].
This is probably the largest obstacle for
historical societies.
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Societies may be reluctant to publish
information freely on the internet, when their income may be dependent on
sale of books, pamphlets etc. However, the internet can also advertise that
publications are available and generate additional sales.
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Determining the content of the site is
critical. The question is: how much information should be made available?
You also need to consider copyright and privacy issues. Always
ascertain whether the Society owns copyright or has permission to publish.
Some material given to Societies may have restrictions such as privacy on
its use.
Establishing a website requires planning.
Think carefully about what you want to achieve
with your website.
Do you want a simple site with contact details
or a larger site with comprehensive information? There are many options
but you need to determine at the start your objectives and how it can be
achieved with the resources available to you.
What resources are available?
- Budget
- Skills eg computer literacy and
design skills
- Equipment eg computer, software, access
to Internet
- Assistance - who can help me?
Consider getting assistance in developing your website eg working with your
local Council or Library, ask local schools if students may wish to lend
skills in developing sites etc. Working together can establish good
relationships with local community and schools.
- Ongoing maintenance - can my site be
easily accessed and maintained?
Determining the content of the site.
- Good and useful content is the most
important factor on a website, not a flashy design.
- Poor content does not attract repeat
visitors to your site.
- Societies should aim for a simple layout
with good and well presented information.
- Check that your site is easy to navigate
eg all the links work and information is easy to find.
What should a basic website contain? Not all
websites need to be extensive or large. Basic information about your Historical
Society is still better than no information. A minimum size could be only one
page.
Basic information which should be included on
your site:
- Contact information
- Dates and times of meetings
- Information about the Society and the
areas of research interest
- Information about membership eg how to
join, costs etc.
- Publications and resources of the
Society.
- Include information on your site about
when the site was launched and note dates of updates.
Written by Cathy Jones November 2005.
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