Sound practices: On-line audio exhibits and the cultural heritage archive

Abstract

This paper examines the functionality of twenty-five on-line Web exhibits in their use of audio media, against a backdrop of the changing character of archives in the age of virtual access to primary materials. Each Web exhibit is scored against a matrix measuring specific aspects of audio performance. The scores are compiled, ranked, and analyzed. Based on these scores, the state of audio technology, and insights provided by digital archival preservation, a set of standards is proposed as a starting point for archives to use in increasing audio exhibit performance.