About Archive Network Israel
The Archive Network Israel project promotes the preservation of Israeli heritage via digital media, while also enabling access and increasing exposure to these cultural assets. The project focuses on historical archives and on revealing archival materials which have been preserved in hundreds of different archives scattered across Israel to the general public. This network enables us to make connections between archival materials that are kept in different institutions and thus provide unique and accurate information on the history of the Land of Israel and its institutions, as well as testimony regarding the legacies of figures who played a part in this history. This is an effort taking place on a national scale, part of the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage's "Landmarks" project.
The goal of the Archive Network Israel project is the creation of the most comprehensive database available of archival material originating in the Land of Israel. The database is based on catalogs created by staff members of selected archives from all over Israel as well as digital copies of archival materials. The first stage of the project was dedicated to mapping all of the archives currently active in Israel (for more information see the summary of the Archive Network Israel project survey). The next stage emphasized the creation of a common cataloging standard which allowed the incorporation of various catalogs from all the different archives, while meeting international standards and presenting all of the data in the same information system for the first time. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of documents, photographs, certificates and additional archival materials were digitized. The digital copies and all of the catalog information collected during the work of the project have been preserved in the National Library of Israel's digital systems, meaning that access to this material has been ensured for future generations.
Partners
Archive Network Israel is part of the "Landmarks" project being led by the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, which deals with all aspects of the preservation and improvement of heritage infrastructure in Israel. The Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage provides 75 percent of funding for this project, while the remaining 25 percent is provided by the National Library of Israel. Among the dozens of archives which have joined the initiative, the project has two central partners: the Israel State Archives and the Association of Israeli Archivists, which acts as the representative body of the various archives and provides professional consulting services to the National Library. The professional committee which accompanies the project includes representatives from the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, the Israel State Archives, the Association of Israeli Archivists as well as project staff at the National Library of Israel.