Abstract:

Digitization of archival documentary heritage has a foremost priority for the GLAM institutions (galleries, libraries, archives and museums). In this regard, in Bulgaria the state archives certainly lead the way. Established during the period of the communist regime (1944-1989), today they represent the Bulgarian “memory” institution, which is most open to new technologies and digitization, making significant progress in comparison to libraries and museums.

The main objective of the report is to provide an overview of the digitization undertaken by the Archives State Agency – the institution, which is in charge of the two central state archives (Central State Archives in Sofia and State Military Historical Archives in Veliko Tarnovo) and the twenty seven regional state archives. The research is based on the public reports of the institution, its strategic documents and plans.

An important focus of the study is the analysis of the quantitative indicators regarding the digitization of archival heritage. The report provides information on the system for managing digital records at the Archives State Agency – the Information System of the State Archives (ISSA) and the specially developed web-platform for popularization of the archives – “The Archives Speak”. It also reviews the digitization practices of the Bulgarian Historical Archives, which is part of the archival collection of the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”, Sofia. The main trends in popularization and use of archival records are additionally analysed. The report includes a comparative analysis of the digitization in the Bulgarian and British archives.

In conclusion, the study makes several practical recommendations, which will be of use to the agency in continuing its work on the digitization and popularization of the archival documentary heritage.

Keywords:

Digitization, State Archives, Bulgaria, Digital Archives.