National Archives

This paper introduces a new corpus of multilingual medieval handwritten charter images, annotated with full transcription and named entities. The corpus is used to compare two approaches for named entity recognition in historical document images in several languages: on the one hand, a sequential approach, more commonly used, that sequentially applies handwritten text recognition (HTR) and named entity recognition (NER), on the other hand, a combined approach that simultaneously transcribes the image text line and extracts the entities. Experiments conducted on the charter corpus in Latin, early new high German and old Czech for name, date and location recognition demonstrate a superior performance of the combined approach.

This study focuses on the changes in properties of cellulose-based paper, which can take place as a consequence of its contamination by dust particles. The PM1 (fine) and PM10 (coarse) fractions of the dust particles from archival repositories were collected on cellulose filters Whatman 41, polytetrafluorethylene, and quartz filters. The latter two types of samples were subsequently analyzed gravimetrically, with ion chromatography, PIXE, and the thermal–optical transmission method, giving mass, ionic, elemental carbon, and organic carbon concentrations. After artificial aging, the viscosity-average degree of polymerization of cellulose (DPv) was measured. It was confirmed that cellulose-based paper can undergo substantial changes when contaminated by dust particles and artificially aged. The decrease of the DPv of cellulose showed a negative correlation with the deposited mass of sulfate ions in the dust particles. Considering the particle size fraction, the results suggest the decisive importance of the fine (PM1) particles. The results provide better understanding of how particulate matter contributes to the chemical degradation of cellulose-based paper. Such knowledge is of importance when considering appropriate conservation measures in archives, libraries, and galleries.

The term 'wax bloom' is used to describe a thin whitish crystalline layer that develops on the surface of beeswax objects under specific conditions. This phenomenon is undesirable, especially in the cases of objects with aesthetic or informational value, such as wax sculptures or historical seals. A combination of solid-state NMR and FTIR measurements allowed to obtain fairly detailed insight into the problem and to suggest a probable mechanism of its development. Secondary crystallization of unsaturated hydrocarbons from beeswax was determined as a primary cause. After the macroscopic solidification of beeswax from the melt, these molecules remain for months in a highly mobile, liquid-like state. This facilitates their diffusion to the surface, where they eventually crystallize, forming the 'wax bloom' effect. Although these results are of particular interest with respect to the conservation of beeswax artifacts, they are relevant to this material in general and help with understanding its unique properties.

In this study we investigated the microbial contamination of 126 samples of photographic and cinematographic materials from 10 archival funds in the Czech Republic. Microorganisms were isolated from the light-sensitive layer by swabbing it with a polyurethane sponge. Microbial isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS (bacteria) or by phenotype testing and microscopy (fungi). Bacterial contamination was more abundant and more diverse than fungal contamination, and both were significantly associated with archives. The most frequently isolated fungal genera were Cladosporium, Eurotium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Alternaria. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Gram-positive genera such as Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Kocuria, Streptococcus and Bacillus. This bacterial and fungal diversity suggests that air is the main vehicle of contamination. We also analysed the impact of the type of material used for the carrier (paper, baryta paper, cellulose acetate and nitrate or glass) or the light-sensitive layer (albumen, gelatine, collodion and other) on the level and diversity of microbial contamination. Carriers such as polyester and cellulose nitrate may have a negative impact on bacterial contamination, while paper and baryta paper may have a partially positive impact on both fungal and bacterial contamination.

Mechanical properties of aged beeswax were studied by an indirect measurement, using hydrogenated beeswax as a model material. The adequacy of the model was evaluated by comparison of its chemical composition and thermal properties with those of samples of historical beeswax. It was found that the gradual decrease in content of unsaturated compounds in beeswax contributes significantly to changes of its mechanical properties. As a consequence, beeswax artefacts become increasingly prone to mechanical damage during natural ageing. Understanding the difference between mechanical properties of recent and historical beeswax is primarily important from the point of view of safe handling and storage of such artefacts. Besides, this knowledge could help conservation scientists, e. g. when preparing model samples for testing new conservation methods.

While access and engagement are usually the primary objectives of digitisation projects, they often also claim to benefit the long-term preservation of collection items due to reducing handling, one of the main risks to archival and library collections, making this a persuasive additional argument to invest in digitising a collection. Conservation intervention prior to digitisation, if done, is kept to minimum repair, cleaning and flattening of documents in order to achieve high-quality images, facilitate safe handling and ensure efficient workflow. Such preservation improvements may be negated by continued access to the physical records after digitisation has occurred. There is also a risk of damage during the digitisation process, especially for very fragile items, for which digitisation may nonetheless be the only way to provide future access. This paper assesses archival document request data before and after digitisation, and online access options, for a selection of digitisation projects from The National Archives, UK, in order to review of the effectiveness of a number of digitisation programmes in reducing demand for handling of originals. It identifies procedural improvements post-digitisation that would further reduce access to original documents.

Abstract Textiles are frequently used in bookbinding or for attaching pendent seals and thus they are an integral part of archival and library items. Any part of these items can be contaminated by various microorganisms. Consequently, it is often necessary to include disinfection procedures in the initial stages of the conservation process. Primarily, the agents employed in conservation must not harm the treated material. This work was concerned with monitoring the effect of selected disinfectant agents (ethylene oxide, Septonex®, glutaraldehyde, Bacillol® AF, butanol vapours, Acticide® MV, silver nanoparticles, Chiroseptol®) on the properties and long-term stability of natural textile fibres (cotton and silk). The disinfected textiles were subjected to three kinds of artificial ageing (dry heat, moist heat, and light) and their properties were determined by means of the total colour difference, thread tensile strength and the limiting viscosity number.

During the 1960s, the committee structure of the Society of American Archivists began to deal with the twin concerns resulting from automation: automated control techniques and machine-readable records. Until 1975, separate committees dealt with the two facets of computerization. Then the Committee on Automated Records and Techniques launched a broad program of publications, presentations, and projects dealing with both concerns. Many of these activities echoed the efforts and concepts of previous committees. In addition, the Society of American Archivists addressed other facets of automation through the National Information Systems Task Force and its publications program. This progress, however, came in spite of problems resulting from ongoing questions about the proper organizational structure to deal with automation, from communication problems within the Society, and from new technological challenges.

Barevné vrstvy uměleckých děl stejně jako všechny materiály jsou rovněž předmětem přirozeného stárnutí. Vliv vnějších faktorů na tyto vrstevnaté systémy uměleckých děl ale dosud nebyl systematicky studován. Hlavním cílem této práce bylo sledování chování akvarelů, jako vybraného zástupce malířské techniky na papíře, v podmínkách umělého stárnutí běžně používaných při studiu degradace papíru (umělé stárnutí v přítomnosti NO2, umělé stárnutí vlhkým teplem a termické stárnutí). Testovány byly vzorky akvarelů na ručním papíře a dřevitém balicím papíře připravené z pigmentu (pruská modř, francouzský okr, ultramarín, brazilské dřevo a řešetlák) a arabské gumy. U připravených vzorků akvarelů byly po expozici podmínkám umělého stárnutí vyhodnoceny změny jejich optických vlastností (celková barevná diference, UV-VIS reflexní křivky, elektronová mikroskopie) a chemického složení (změny hodnot pH, rentgenová difrakční analýza, ATR-FTIR spektroskopie a Ramanova spektroskopie). Významné změny byly detekovány ve vzorcích akvarelů s pigmentem měděnka vůči všem testovaným podmínkám umělého stárnutí související s detekovanými změnami chemického složení. Experimentálně byl také prokázán významný vliv atmosféry NO2 u vzorků akvarelů s organickými laky.

Introduction This book has described a number of factors which have resulted in gaps in the information held by archives: what we have termed silences. This chapter will discuss the role of various actors in the documentary and archival process in filling those gaps, the joint responsibility for change, and possible paths ahead to avoid new gaps appearing in the future. Is legislation the answer? First to the question of who is responsible for the documentation of society. It has been the implicit argument of this book that we are all responsible, whether as creators of records or professional curators of those papers, or as users, researchers, historians, and informed citizens of societies to whom we have responsibility. Of course, in every state and country, there exists legislation , which lays down legal duties and responsibilities relating to records. But life is about more than legislation, and legislation itself can have unintended consequences. The Freedom of Information Act in the UK was heralded as opening up access to information much sooner than previously, and as a vehicle towards greater government accountability and transparency. However, fears have also been expressed that it is leading creators to avoid writing down information that is subject to the Act or other accountability initiatives, to preclude its disclosure (for this view, see, for example, Moss, 2012). Sebina (2009), writing on the implications of the passing of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) in South Africa in 2000, remarked that it has by no means led to full and open access. Fear of taking responsibility for the decision to open, fear of recriminations for one's own career or simply a general culture of fear can lead to a default to closure. Findlay has hinted of similar issues in Australia: … here in Australia, despite much talk of an ‘open government’, the reality for those seeking to extract information under Freedom of Information (FOI) laws can be quite the opposite. Too often, vague references to national security are used to exempt material, part of the longer theme of fear, paranoia and secrecy that has underpinned much public policy since 9/11. (Findlay, 2013, 9)

This article charts the evolution of the UK government’s ambitious vision for the archive sector, Archives Unlocked. It traces the evolution of that vision from the roots of the audience-focused strategy of the UK National Archives, Archives Inspire. The authors place a particular emphasis on the process of co-creation and the emergence of the key strategic themes of trust, enrichment and openness. These global themes are brought to life by inspiring case studies and think-pieces while also being supported by a concrete action plan focused on clear deliverables and outcomes that will have the greatest impact. The authors argue that the archive sector is going through a paradigm shift from paper to digital, while observing that digital technology presents as many opportunities as it does challenges. The article reflects on what it means to be a disruptive digital archive and how this challenges some of the established norms of archival practice while also making the case for greater collaboration; arguing that the challenges and opportunities facing the sector can only be met by enhanced partnership working at the local, regional, national and international level. The authors believe that the approach adopted will not only allow archival content, in whatever format, to continue to enrich people’s lives but also change the way that people think about archives.

State-of-the-art hybrid pixel semiconductor detectors provide excellent imaging properties such as unlimited dynamic range, high spatial resolution, high frame rate and energy sensitivity. Nevertheless, a limitation in the use of these devices for imaging has been the small sensitive area of a few square centimetres. In the field of microtomography we make use of a large area pixel detector assembled from 50 Timepix edgeless chips providing fully sensitive area of 14.3 × 7.15 cm 2 . We have successfully demonstrated that the enlargement of the sensitive area enables high-quality tomographic measurements of whole objects with high geometrical magnification without any significant degradation in resulting reconstructions related to the chip tilling and edgeless sensor technology properties. The technique of micro-tomography with the newly developed large area detector is applied for samples formed by low attenuation, low contrast materials such a seed from Phacelia tanacetifolia , a charcoalified wood sample and a beeswax seal sample.

Atomová bomba nezabránila tomu, aby na Evropu dosedla "železná opona". A jakmile byla na svém místě, jaderné zbraně ji spíše vyztužovaly, než oslabovaly. Staly se integrální součástí rovnováhy vojenských sil v Evropě a posilovaly rozdělení kontinentu. A konečně jaderné zbraně ani nepřivedly studenou válku k jejímu konci. Klíčovým faktorem bylo omezení nukleární hrozby, což umožnilo pokojným způsobem ukončit studenou válku. Avšak nebyly to jaderné zbraně, co způsobilo konec studené války.Jaká tedy byla role jaderných zbraní ve studené válce v Evropě? Podle autora byly jaderné zbraně důležité v několika rozdílných ohledech. Zaprvé, v letech amerického monopolu sloužily coby záruka západní bezpečnosti. Usnadnily Spojeným státům zavázat se k obraně západní Evropy. Zadruhé, jaderné zbraně se staly integrální součástí rovnováhy vojenských sil v Evropě. Přítomnost tisíců takových zbraní na kontinentě umožnila odradit každou ze stran od užití vojenské síly při hledání výhod na úkor té druhé. Zatřetí, političtí vůdcové na obou stranách chápali, že nukleární válka v Evropě by byla natolik ničivá, že by nemohla posloužit jakémukoli myslitelnému politickému cíli, a věděli, že vůdcové té druhé strany to chápou též. To sloužilo jako rozhodující omezení. Nezabránilo to však namáhavým zkouškám politické vůle. Začtvrté, obě strany sestavovaly plány na užití jaderných zbraní ve válce, vývoj jejich vojenské strategie však ukazuje, že se odkláněly od spoléhání na jaderné zbraně, jakkoli plánování jaderné války nebylo nikdy opuštěno.Zapáté, demontáž bezpečnostního systému studené války v Evropě a konstrukce systému nového představovaly nanejvýš důležitý úkol v období, kdy docházelo k rychlé transformaci jak uvnitř států, tak v rovnováze sil na kontinentě. Bylo to provedeno způsobem, jenž dává jaderným zbraním mnohem menší úlohu v mezinárodní bezpečnosti. V tomto ohledu, stejně jako v mnoha dalších, je Evropa dneška mnohem bezpečnějším a dokonalejším kontinentem než v letech studené války.

The National Archives and Records Administration confronted the difficult question of how burgeoning electronic records should be scheduled and appraised when, in 1986-88, it revised the existing General Records Schedules as they pertained to the disposition of machine-readable records. The committee of custodial and appraisal archivists substantially revised GRS 20, the existing nontextual schedule for machine-readable records, and created new provisions in GRS 23, which, for the first time, addressed the issue of electronic records created on personal computers or in office automation systems. The authors discuss the fundamental archival questions raised in the revision process, describe how the issues were resolved, and evaluate the results.

When treating historical beeswax seals, it seems a natural choice to use materials as similar to the original as possible. The properties of analogous recent materials, however, differ from those of the aged ones, not to mention the fact that the exact composition of the particular sealing wax is usually uncertain. In order to obtain the material of desired properties, recent beeswax is often combined with various additives, including petroleum waxes, or even replaced by mixtures based solely on these products. Within this study, the relevant properties of Permulgin 3274, a ceresin-type wax, were compared with the characteristics of recent and historical beeswaxes. The aim was to evaluate its advantages and limitations, in terms of its possible use for the conservation of beeswax seals. The properties studied were comprised of the chemical composition, thermal properties, mechanical properties, possibilities of colour adjustment and ageing properties. Permulgin 3274's workability was evaluated by conservators from the National Archives in Prague. The results indicate that, from the technological point of view, Permulgin 3274 could be considered a welcome alternative to the use of traditional conservation mixtures.

The article deals with the Subcarpathian Ruthenia in the Czechoslovak Constitution of 1920 and its rights, as well as with some aspects of the preparation of the Constitution. The attention is also paid to the tasks of the Constitutional Court and the search for adequate representatives of the Subcarpathian Ruthenia therein.

Tato případovĂĄ studie přibliĹžuje dramatickĂŠ ĹživotnĂ­ osudy sourozencĹŻ Gerty (Gertrudy) a Harryho (Heřmana) FreundovĂ˝ch v kontextu mezivĂĄlečnĂŠho komunistickĂŠho hnutĂ­. Narodili se v roce 1908 (Harry) a 1909 (Gerta) do praĹžskĂŠ středostavovskĂŠ, nĂĄrodnostně smĂ­ĹĄenĂŠ rodiny (s německou, Ĺžidovskou a českou identitou) a oba byli pod vlivem matky Terezie FreundovĂŠ (1885–1982) od mlĂĄdĂ­ oddĂĄni komunistickĂ˝m ideĂĄlĹŻm. Gerta byla činnĂĄ v KomunistickĂŠ studentskĂŠ frakci (Kostufra), stala se tanečnicĂ­ a provozovala v Praze soukromou tanečnĂ­ ĹĄkolu. V roce 1932 uzavřela sňatek se sovětskĂ˝m revolucionářem, diplomatem a literĂĄtem Alexandrem Jakovlevičem Arosevem (1890–1938), kterĂ˝ pĹŻsobil jako zplnomocněnĂ˝ představitel SovětskĂŠho svazu v Československu (před navĂĄzĂĄnĂ­m diplomatickĂ˝ch stykĹŻ). PotĂŠ jej nĂĄsledovala do Moskvy, kde se stal předsedou VĹĄesvazovĂŠ společnosti pro kulturnĂ­ styky se zahraničím (Vsesojuznoje obščestvo dlja kulturnoj svjazi s zagranicej – VOKS), kterĂĄ zajiĹĄĹĽovala cesty zĂĄpadnĂ­ch intelektuĂĄlĹŻ a umělcĹŻ do SSSR. V době VelkĂŠho teroru vĹĄak Arosev upadl do nemilosti a oba manĹželĂŠ byli v lĂŠtě 1937 zatčeni. Gerta byla obviněna ze ĹĄpionĂĄĹže, odsouzena k trestu smrti a v prosinci 1937 popravena, Arosev zahynul stejnĂ˝m zpĹŻsobem v únoru 1938. Harry Freund začal brzy sympatizovat s takzvanou Levou opozicĂ­ v SSSR a jako kritik bolĹĄevizovanĂŠho vedenĂ­ KomunistickĂŠ strany Československa byl z tĂŠto strany vyloučen. ZaloĹžil radikĂĄlně levicovou opozičnĂ­ platformu nazĂ˝vanou „LeninskĂĄ opozice“, s nĂ­Ĺž ostře vystupoval proti ĂşstřednĂ­mu stalinistickĂŠmu kurzu komunistickĂŠho hnutĂ­, ale i proti alternativnĂ­mu proudu reprezentovanĂŠmu Lvem Davidovičem TrockĂ˝m (1879–1940). Po zĂĄniku prvnĂ­ republiky na podzim 1938 přeĹĄel Harry Freund se svĂ˝m uskupenĂ­m do ilegality, byl zatčen a několik měsĂ­cĹŻ vězněn. Po propuĹĄtěnĂ­ se v okupovanĂŠm ProtektorĂĄtu Čechy a Morava zapojil do odboje a v lednu 1944 zahynul při zatĂ˝kĂĄnĂ­. Z celĂŠ rodiny FreundovĂ˝ch přeĹžila deportace do koncentračnĂ­ch tĂĄborĹŻ pouze jeho matka. Autor v narativně pojatĂŠm textu předklĂĄdĂĄ neznĂĄmou faktografii k biografii sourozencĹŻ FreundovĂ˝ch a zĂĄroveň odkrĂ˝vĂĄ tragickĂŠ propojenĂ­ mezi jejich osudy, kdyĹž doklĂĄdĂĄ, Ĺže to byly prĂĄvě opozičnĂ­ aktivity Harryho, kterĂŠ poskytly stalinskĂ˝m represivnĂ­m orgĂĄnĹŻm ĂşdajnĂŠ dĹŻkazy o ĹĄpionĂĄĹži jeho sestry. Zachycuje takĂŠ mĂ­sto Freundovy „LeninskĂŠ opozice“ na alternativnĂ­ radikĂĄlně levicovĂŠ scĂŠně Československa ve třicĂĄtĂ˝ch letech minulĂŠho stoletĂ­, dokumentuje jejĂ­ politickĂŠ aktivity, nĂĄzorovĂŠ spory a ideologickĂ˝ dogmatismus. Ukazuje přitom, jak fatĂĄlnĂ­ bylo stigma trockismu pro nekonformnĂ­ účastnĂ­ky komunistickĂŠho hnutĂ­ a jak příznačně osud obou protagonistĹŻ odråŞí turbulentnĂ­ vĂ˝voj, jĂ­mĹž mezi světovĂ˝mi vĂĄlkami proĹĄla tuzemskĂĄ radikĂĄlnĂ­ levice stejně jako československo-sovětskĂŠ vztahy.

Abstract. Only few maps or plans from the first half of 18th century showing towns and villages in detail have survived up to present days. So the file of 98 plans and sketches of Jewish settlement in Bohemia is really unique treasure. This file has been scattered in several Czech and Moravian archives. Researchers of the National Archives and the Research Institute of Geodesy, Topography and Cartography managed to collect those maps, analyze, interpret and digitalized them. Maps itself are very different due to they were created by various authors with varying cartographic knowledge and experience. File represents a unique collection of plans that have been prepared in the course of one year (1727) as the result of the imperial translocation rescripts. Nowhere else similar set of plans depicting the Jewish population in the villages and cities has exist. The importance of file is also supported by the fact that plans of small villages and/or towns of marginal importance were captured, while plans of larger cities are missing.The uniqueness of this file is underlined by the fact that file fulfils all criteria fixed by the Czech UNESCO Commission for inclusion in the Registry of Memory of the World. In the year 2019 the National Archives will issue monographs presenting whole set of plans and sketches of Jewish settlement named "Landscape and urban planning on the handwritten plans from 18th century.

Introduction Reading about the future of digital humanities in London is a curiously illusory experience. Sit at a terminal in the London Library and you will read about digital manifestos and urgent discussions of the need for more training, better education and the need for a whole new approach to the humanities. Go outside and walk towards Piccadilly Circus, and you will see hundreds of ordinary Londoners engaging with the digital even as they walk along the streets or wait for underground trains. This is a profound change from 1989, when a short book, The Allure of the Archives (Farge, 2013), was published. An excellent book, it was republished in 2013. Though its historical and conceptual approach still strikes the reader as entirely modern, indeed postmodern, the world of research that author Arlette Farge outlines is from a different age. She describes sitting in cold and silent search rooms, ordering documents via paper slips and copying them out in long-hand. No presentday researchers would recognize this picture. From the institutional side, digitized catalogues, digitized and born-digital documents have transformed access; whilst on a personal level, digital cameras, laptops and tablets have transformed research capture. The authors will explore this shift to a new digital space, and its implications for research, researchers, research resources and research methodologies. Following the authors’ experience, it will deal mainly with the humanities. Content and access The digital era has seen an explosion in the number and diversity of sources available to the researcher. This growth is manifest in multiple permutations. Whilst in 2009 Jisc (the Joint Information Systems Committee) announced its E-books for Further Education project to support the higher and further education sector, individual companies are releasing digital resources for research by all. For example, the New Connections project, which ran from 2011 to 2013, saw half a million images from the British Telecom (BT) archive catalogued, digitized and published online, representing 165 years of the history of ‘the world's oldest and most established communications company’ (Hay, 2014, 29).

The study looks at the trade quantification, and documents single stages of the Russian-Chinese trade exchange in Kyakhta and May-ma-chen between 1727 and 1861. It is divided into three sections. The first one deals with an appraisal of available volume indicators that relates to the exchange trading. Based on findings and confronting other analysed spheres, the author defines the basic stages of the trade development in the monitored period. What he demonstrates is that the trade was greatly affected by political and geographical factors, and the fact that both countries did not attach equal importance to it. The trade in Kyakhta had never reached extent it could have had, but fell into rapid decline as soon as an alternative, cheaper way to trade exchange between Russia and China had appeared. Yet it influenced the town and the whole region development, including culture and education spheres; in the second quarter of the 19th century it substantially contributed to Siberian economics, and in the early stage also to Russia industrialisation as it allowed Russia in economics terms to penetrate to the Far East. The final part deals with the global factors resulting in the decline, and the end of Russian-Chinese trade in Kyakhta, or replacement by other forms of trade exchange.