Making the Digital Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery (DAACS) a Usable Resource
Author(s): Elizabeth Bollwerk; Lynsey Bates; Leslie Cooper; Jillian Galle
Year: 2016
Summary
Since its inception in 2000, the Digital Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery (DAACS) has been a digital resource undergoing iterative development and revision. A digital archive containing data on 2 million artifacts from 70 archaeological sites, DAACS opens infinite possibilities for a variety of audiences who want to use evidence-based approaches to learn about enslaved societies in the Atlantic world. Offering DAACS as a case study, this paper considers a major challenge confronting those who create and maintain digital data: these resources must be built on robust data structures while simultaneously being flexible enough to accommodate the changing needs of their user base. We examine the best practices that have made DAACS a durable resource and the changes that have been made in response to user feedback. We conclude by explaining how DAACS is continuing to evolve to meet the present and future needs of its users.
Cite this Record
Making the Digital Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery (DAACS) a Usable Resource. Elizabeth Bollwerk, Lynsey Bates, Leslie Cooper, Jillian Galle. Presented at Society for Historical Archaeology, Washington, D.C. 2016 ( tDAR id: 434414)
This Resource is Part of the Following Collections
Keywords
General
DAACS
•
Digital Data
•
Usability
Geographic Keywords
North America
•
United States of America
Temporal Keywords
Seventeenth-nineteenth century
Spatial Coverage
min long: -129.199; min lat: 24.495 ; max long: -66.973; max lat: 49.359 ;
Individual & Institutional Roles
Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology
Record Identifiers
PaperId(s): 373