Introduction to Web Archives and Web Archiving

As we all know, the world wide web provides volumes of information. We also know that web pages and websites come and go with great frequency. Oftentimes these web pages and websites are primary sources. How can you gain access to information that seems to be gone? This module will assist you in finding past versions of websites.

What is web archiving?

According to Society of American Archivists (SAA) Dictionary of Archival Terminology: the process of collecting, preserving, and providing enduring access to web content.

What are web archives?

According to SAA’s Dictionary of Archival Terms: (1) preserved copies of live web content collected for permanent retention and access; (2) an organization devoted principally to the collection and preservation of web content.
Additional note: Web archives frequently consist of multiple, time-stamped, collated copies of the same web page or pages taken at different times. Ideally, web archives capture and preserve not only the text, images, and informational content, but also the functionality, look, and feel of the web.

Why is web archiving necessary?

It is necessary because of the ephemeral nature of web pages and websites. These come and go with great frequency. They are also constantly changing with updates and revisions.
The average life expectancy of a web page has been estimated at 44-100 days. The average lifespan of a website is estimated at 2 years, 7 months. Social media sites change more frequently.
Websites and embedded or attached documents (such as pdf’s) may also be subject to records retention requirements. Records retention requirements refer to the length of time records should be kept to satisfy administrative, legal, fiscal, historical, or other purposes of a business, corporation, organization, or other entity.
Archived websites can serve as a reliable backup.