Reflection of National Archives
Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/National_Archives_of_Singapore,_Jan_06.JPG
Image from: http://www.nhb.gov.sg/NAS/index.htm
What is an Archives?
An Archive is a place where collections of historical records are place. Archives contain lots of documents which have accumulated late back in the early 19th century.
Who are they?
The National Archives people recollect lots of old memories of Singapore and consolidate them. Their main purpose of their work is to take care of the old documents and touch up on those torn documents. These public records can provide advices to the government agencies on records management as to keep a memory of the government. Some of the records are even late back in the early 19th century.
What do they do?
The NAS preserve records of the nation and history documents. They kept it well and try to maintain back to its original. The records of document are government files, private memoirs, historical maps and photographs to oral history interviews and audio-visual materials. NAS is also responsible for the collection, preservation and management of Singapore’s public and private archival records, some of which date back to the early 19th century.
What type of services they provide?
The NAS protects the rights of citizens by providing evidence to the government with actions. NAS turns out to be an important research centre for those who seek for information about the country’s history. NAS also promotes heritage through educational programmes and exhibitions to the public interest about the nation’s history.
Things they provided inside:
NAS implements an effective records management programmes for the public service. These
vital records are scanned and output onto microfilms for preservation in climate-controlled conditions. They were recognition in 2003, of maintaining the quality and operational efficiency in their key preservation processes.
Providing Access
They provides relevance documents to people who need to understand the past, write research papers, as evidence of rights and obligations, or simply as creative inspiration. Public could also access to their collections through their Archives Reference Room or online.
Sharing Knowledge
NAS shares their experience and knowledge to the community through consultation and training. They provide regular seminars on using archival resources, records management and oral history methodology. They also conduct guided tours of NAS to educate the public on the archival work.
Archives Conservation Services
The Lab provides conservation services of paper records such as anoxic treatment, deacidification, leafcasting, mechanical cleaning, manual repair, tissue mounting, encapsulation and high value (rare) book binding using archival method. Most visitors include government agencies, companies as well as private collectors. They recommend the type of treatment(s) required and provide an estimation of the charges based on the physical condition of the records as well as offering advice on proper storage and handling methods.
Images inside National Archives
Source:http://app.mica.gov.sg/DesktopModules/SimpleGallery/SlideShowPopup.aspx?PortalID=0&ItemID=192&Border=White&sb=0&sd=0
Source: www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/ar/2005/05.htm
2) Do they use any Social Media & Web 2.0 technologies for public communication & education?
The NAS people use social media to communicate with students and everyone. Social media uses Internet and web-based technologies to transform broadcast media monologues into social media dialogues. IT savvy Singaporeans today expect “instant” information to be made available via Internet. To meet the increasing demand for on-line research and to remain relevant in the Knowledge Age, National Heritage Board (NHB) as a major content provider on heritage information, needs to ride on the changing mindset and expectation and re-engineer information delivery mechanism.
source: http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/abouta2o.jsp
The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) developed the Access to Archives Online Singapore (a2O), a one-stop portal site on heritage information dating back to 17th century. a2O allows users to search information across NHB’s various independent databases and view photographs, maps and plans, listen to oral history interview samplers and watch snippets of audio-visual recordings, round the clock. It also provides information on recently acquired materials by NAS, Online Exhibitions, how to access our archival collection as well as student programmes.
They also creates games site for the students to play which could be more interesting for the students. They can cooperate with new media tools like facebook, twitter, or MSN. Through these tool NAS website will have lots of people browsing and also could educates teenagers. To attracts the students, they also provides valuable prizes for the winner.
Source: http://syonanrace.s1942.org.sg/
