Exploring the development of a web-based archive retrieval system: A case study at the institute of Modern History, Academia Sinica

Web-based archive retrieval system (ARS) is gaining its importance for the convenient access, and how to have it effective is worth paying attentions. The study aims at presenting and analyzing critical viewpoints during the planning and implementing processes of a web-based historical ARS. In-depth interviews were conducted with librarians in charge of the Digital Archives of the Diplomatic and Economic Records in Modern History Project, and with IT personnel of the Computer Center of Academia Sinica participating in the construction of the ARS. A comparative study on viewpoints among archivists, IT personnel and the requirements of users has been conducted to identify relevant content of a web-based ARS, including key players´ requirements and concerns, system functions, and system characteristics. By the research findings, communications between users and system developers are improved, and agreements can be made for future web-based ARS construction reference.